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Army won't take over: PM
[Pak Daily Times] Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday reiterated that there was no threat to democracy and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) government would complete its tenure.Talking to reporters at the PM's House, Gilani said, "The army neither intends to come to power, nor will it do so. The judiciary is independent and pro-democratic. Despite this, if some people are debating such a possibility, then they are clearly wasting their time." He said that the army was the part of civil administration and it was participating in flood relief activities on the government' request. "Those who consider the army and the civil government two separate entities are living in a fool's paradise," the PM said. "The media, the masses and the political parties are very clear that democracy is the need of the country. The world will also not accept any undemocratic move," the PM said. The prime minister said the PPP government was an elected one and it had come to power after rendering great sacrifices and winning elections. "The mandate of people should be respected," he said. Responding to a question about the recent statements of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, PM Gilani said, "Why should the army issue any clarification about Altaf Hussain's statements? The clarification should be issued by those who issued these statements in the first place, and they have already done so." To another question, the PM said the government had approved the promotions of officers to BPS-22 through a transparent selection process and in line with the Supreme Court (SC) verdict. "We implemented the SC order in letter and spirit. Today, I approved the promotions of 39 officers in BPS-22 after the selection board meeting," he said, adding that some officers, including his principal secretary, had not been promoted. Responding to a question about National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Prosecutor General Irfan Qadir, the PM said that the SC verdict had been implemented. Referring to the flood situation, Gilani said that the devastation caused by recent floods was huge and "we have to tackle it collectively". He said that Rs 4 billion had so far been received in the Prime Minister's Flood Relief Fund. "Owing to the devastation of floods, this Eid will be celebrated with simplicity and austerity. I myself will visit the flood relief camps on Eid day," the PM said. Posted by: Fred 2010-09-10 |
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