Agreement with PML-Q matter of hours: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that an agreement to include Pakistan Muslim League-Q in the Federal Government was matter of hours and the issue of post of deputy prime minister would be resolved. Talking in PTV’s live programme “Prime Minister Online” here, Prime Minister Gilani said, “although the post of deputy prime minister is not in the constitution but solution of the issue will be found.”
He said that in line with the government’s policy of reconciliation, he talked with MQM chief Altaf Hussain on phone and invited him to join the Federal Government as they are already part of the Sindh government.
The Prime Minister, who called the MQM chief to condole over the death of a senior member of his party, also took him into confidence about the prevailing political situation.
The Prime Minister said that he would hold talks with Chaudhry brothers, leaders of PML-Q, on the formation of government.
Gilani said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) remained their allies for three years in Punjab but then its leaders chose their own path.
Discussing media reports about the role of ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) in the activities of politicians, the Prime Minister said that there should be maturity on the part of politicians after 64 years.
In this regard, he said, if anybody had proof, it should be shared with the government.
Prime Minister Gilani said drone attacks were counter-productive and had adverse impacts on the military and political strategy against militancy.
The Prime Minister asked that drone technology should be transferred to Pakistan and US should reconsider its position on use of drones.
As a civilized and responsible country, Pakistan is using all the diplomatic channels to put across its viewpoint and there is realization that drone attacks were creating a negative impact, he added.
Gilani said drone attacks started during the previous government of Pervez Musharraf, after permission was given for surveillance.
But subsequently the Americans got intelligence and they carried out drone attacks, he added.
He said, “We already have intelligence and defence cooperation with America” and   the government asked America to share credible and actionable intelligence with Pakistan.
He said the western world was narrow-minded in acknowledging the sacrifices of Pakistan in combating militancy.
“Terrorists were attacking innocent civilians, law enforcement personnel and besides challenging writ of the government. It is not a proxy war,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister said terrorists neither have  religion nor any ideology and added Pakistan was combating militancy in its own interest and not for the United States.
The Prime Minister said power shortages are a problem for the whole country due to rising demand and different projects are in progress to overcome the challenge.
“We added 2000 megawatts to the national grid last year and 2000 more megawatts will be added this year.” he added.
“Diamir Bhasha dam, Thar coal project are in the pipeline and we are making efforts to start new projects to add to the already established projects of hydel, coal, nuclear and wind,” he added.
He said better load management is answer to the problem as is done in India and Nepal, which are facing similar difficulties.
The Prime Minister said the recent meeting of Council of Common Interests (CCI) took a major decision to allow the provinces to set up new power plants.
In a few days, an energy conference will be held, which will be attended by chief ministers to take further measures, he added.
The Prime Minister explained that prices of petroleum products have risen all over the world from $ 30 per barrel to $ 117 per barrel and this year the government is giving subsidy of Rs. 40 billion to power consumers.
Gilani said rising oil prices, global recession, electricity shortage, floods and militancy compounded economic problems for the government.
He said the government decisions have put the economy on the right track and foreign exchange reserves have risen from Rs. 5.5 billion to Rs. 17.5 billion, stock market went up from 5500 points to 12500 points and there has also been substantial increase in remittances and exports.
The government is working to give relief to the poor through Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and by providing life insurance to vulnerable sections, he mentioned.
“In the next two years and in the upcoming budget, the government will be focused on providing economic relief to the people.”
Interaction is continuing with all stakeholders to present a people friendly budget, he said adding the government raised support price of wheat to Rs. 950 per kg and economic condition of farmers improved as their produce fetched good prices in the international market and the country is in position to export wheat.
He said mobile service will be restored in Bannu as was done in Dera Ismail Khan after improvement in situation.
To a question about agriculture tax, he said the government’s financial team is in touch with provinces to build consensus.
“We want to broaden the tax base as when international community give aid they also expect us to generate our own revenue,” he added.
The Prime Minister said political stability will create economic stability and lead to resolution of issues.
“A weak government cannot resolve problems of the people.”
He invited the political parties to sit with the government for preparing a national economic policy which can continue despite change of governments.
He said he could expand the federal cabinet to 39 federal ministers in line with the 18th constitutional amendment. At present the cabinet has 22 ministers, one state minister and an adviser on political affairs.
He assured that justice will be done to 72 persons who are reportedly falsely implicated in cases in Swat and he will ask the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to appoint a Judicial Commission or take some other steps for this purpose.
He also told that the government has taken steps to improve law and order situation in Parachinar.
The Prime Minister also assured a caller that gas supply would be ensured for the fertilizer sector and said there was no reason for a strike call after extension for census by 10 days.
The Prime Minister told another caller that the Finance Ministry has issued a notification for revising the service structure of doctors.
While receiving calls from persons belonging to Fort Abbas, Bahawalnagar, Sillawali Sargodha and Mulpur in Murree area, the Prime Minister issued on the spot orders for upgradation of a school, legal use of government land and provision of gas.