Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said the government gives highest respect to the judiciary and has always abided by the judgements of courts in the country. "We have great respect and honour for courts in Pakistan which are independent and we have always respected their judgements," he said in an interview with Al-Arabia TV channel.
Commenting on the Supreme Court verdict on the constitutional petitions of Sharif brothers, Shaukat Aziz said the former prime minister and his family left Pakistan under an arrangement with the government and in lieu of that Nawaz Sharif's sentences were remitted. They left the country for Saudi Arabia after agreeing with the government and their host that they would remain there for 10 years, without indulging in any political activities, he added.
"This is part of a settlement, but now with the ruling of the Supreme Court they have to see how they will honour their agreement and commitment made to a friendly country," the prime minister said.
Responding to a question, Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan is a democratic and free country which encourages different political parties, but "now it is up to Nawaz Sharif to see how he will honour his agreement and commitment he had made."
When asked whether there is a deal going on with any party, the prime minister said there is no deal with any political party, adding that "what we believe in is the national political reconciliation."
He said there is a parliament in Pakistan where all parties have a platform to express their views and "as part of our efforts to bring national reconciliation we always talked to them." So dialogues, interactions and discussions should be looked at positively for Pakistan, he said.
The prime minister said the forthcoming elections would be free and fair and the will of the people would decide future of Pakistan, adding: "One can have reconciliation through negotiation but elections are through ballot box which means the will of the people and that is what we respect in the country." To another question, he said Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan and every Pakistani from the bottom of his heart respects and recognises King Abdullah as true friend of Pakistan.
Lauding the role of Saudi Arabia after the October 8, 2005 earthquake, he said the Saudi king took a lot of interests and launched an appeal to raise funds. Shaukat Aziz said Saudi Arabia was a major contributor in providing relief to the quake victims. The prime minister also appreciated Saudi medical team for providing medical facilities to thousands of quake-affected people.