Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that by not putting the hurdles in the way of the long march, our government has proved that we are in favour of the restoration of judges. "Our government is serious over judges' issue but we can't give the dead line in this regard" he added.
He said this while talking with media men at Multan airport before going to Jahania to address a public meeting. Yousuf Raza said that constitutional package would be presented in the parliament after the budget and judges would certainly restored. In reply to another question, he said that terrorism could not be eradicated by force, adding we have to adopt the way of negotiations. He said that parliament is the supreme institution and it can impeach the president if it wants.
Talking about the terrorism, the Prime Minister said that the performance of our government is positive. It is due to our policies that the terrorist activities have reduced now. He said that we have revived our policies after coming into power. "Military operations could not help solve the problems" he added. We have speeded up the process of negotiations.
In reply to another question, Yousuf Raza said that the people of Balochistan are very patriotic people, adding that some extremists are creating misunderstanding. He said that our government is stable and we are going on very well with the coalition government. Nawaz Sharif would remain with us, he added.
Talking about the judges issue, he said that the problem would be solved with the constitutional package. Whatever the parliament would decide it would be acceptable to all of us. He further said that there are some technical complications regarding this issue. Negotiations are on between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari and very soon the mater would be solved.
Responding to a question about the long march, Yousuf Raza said that we provided food, water and other facilities to the participants of the long march which proved that we are with them. To another question he said, I believe that Musharraf should address the parliament now and his refusal would be like defection from the constitution. He said that Musharraf has himself said that he would accept the decision of the parliament.
He said that the rumours about the change of the government are baseless. If Sheikh Rashid knows any thing then you should ask from him. He said that our government is stable because it has come into being with the heavy mandate of the public. All the parties of the coalition government are totally united and it could be seen on the eve of the birth anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto when all the powers were united.
He said that the salaries of the deposed judges have already been paid and in the finance bill, the strength of the judges has also been increased. Our intention is crystal clear, he added. Talking about the journalism he said that we believe in the freedom of journalism and judiciary. Media is totally free from our side. He said that I have said up to the extent that media should play the role of an opposition for us and should correct us.
He said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto also wanted the restoration of the judiciary and wanted them back on their positions. So how could we deviate from her wish? Later on Prime Minister went to V.I.P lounge where he met with the leaders of PPP and officers of the district administration, traders, and journalists and asked about their problems. People informed him about their problems. After an hour, Prime Minister proceeded to Jahania by helicopter to address a public meeting.