Prime Minister Gilani trashes perception of military coup

In order to eliminate fears among the international community about Pakistan’s stability and the survival of its democracy, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday rejected a notion that democracy was under threat and a creeping coup was taking place in the country.

He asserted, “Democracy is not under threat. The people, civil society and intelligentsia, parliament, the media and the army all want democracy. Therefore, there is no threat to democracy in Pakistan.”

“Nobody is in favour of something other than democracy. It is strong and will stay intact and no one has a desire to violate the Constitution,” he affirmed

In an interview to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) at the World Economic Forum, the premier spoke on a wide range of issues being faced by the country. While recalling his statement to Chinese daily, which led some to believe that there were some differences between the military and the civilian government, he clarified that all institutions were working within the sphere of the Constitution.

Gilani clarified that he had not been on bad terms with the security establishment and that there was no threat of a military takeover. In his view, many state institutions were working at the same time, doing things, some of which he believed were against the rules.

Consequently, the person he beloved responsible, the Defence Secretary, was removed. “And since he (Defence Secretary) has been removed I have nothing against them (Army Chief and DG ISI),” he maintained.

About early polls, the premier said that there was no need for early elections in the country, brushing aside any dangers to democracy and saying the people and the army fully supported democratic setup.

In his opinion, holding early elections was the right of the government and the era of 58-2b had gone. The incumbent would hold the Senate elections on time and it would be followed by the presentation of the financial plan, he added.

Commenting on his meeting with Army and ISI chief ahead of leaving for World Economic Forum, the premier stated that the sitting focused on security issues related to Afghanistan and the region.

Gilani said he had the highest regard and respect for the judiciary; they had struggled a lot for the restoration of deposed judges. It was him who released them from house arrest, he said added that appearing before the court in the contempt case was his obligation, which he had executed.

About US-Pak relation, he told the channel the association had undergone many ups and downs in the last 60 years. He, however, said both countries had common objectives vis-à-vis the war on terror.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=10679

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Jan 27 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.