No alternative of democracy; masses never to support any undemocratic move: PM
ISLAMABAD, July 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani rejecting the possibility of political destabilization in the country due to formation of any grand political alliance said Tuesday neither there is any alternative of democracy, nor the masses will ever support any undemocratic move.“There is no danger to democracy. The democracy will continue.., there is no alternative of democracy. Any democratic move will not be supported by masses, by politicians or by you (media),” Gilani told the newsmen here at Pakistan Monument, Shakarparian, after inaugurating Zero Point Interchange and Dualization of Lehtar Road projects and performing the ground-breaking of CDA’s Park Enclave Housing Scheme.
To a question about the MQM’s decision to part their ways with the PPP-led government, the Prime Minister said, the party was in continuous contact with the MQM leadership, adding, “they (MQM) are still our coalition partners and are in the government as well.”
Gilani, to another query, added if the PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat plays a role in this respect, “we will welcome it.” “We want to take along all our coalition partners,” he remarked.
To a question about corruption, the Prime Minister said since the creation of Pakistan every political government including that of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were dislodged on the pretext of corruption but there were no charges of corruption against dictators.
He said after the 1958 Martial Law, the political leaders who played role in the creation of Pakistan were charged with corruption and even were disqualified from taking part in politics.
The country was also divided, but the dictators then did not face any charges during the over 10 years rule, Gilani remarked.
The Prime Minister said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who gave this country a consensus 1973 Constitution, introduced the nuclear programme and brought back 90,000 prisoners of war from India also faced charges from the then dictator, Gen. Zia ul Haq, who ruled Pakistan for around 11 years “without any charges”.
Gilani said afterwards the democratic governments of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif were removed twice each on the same charges, adding, he also faced five years imprisonment on similar grounds.
“Do not destabilize the political system. We have been elected by the people of Pakistan”, the Prime Minister warned. He, however, added that the Constitution also provides a procedure to remove any government.
To another question about the suspension of Zafar Qureshi, Additional DG FIA, Gilani said it was a routine transfer/posting matter and rejected the view that there was any confrontation between the government and the Supreme Court.
He said the person in question was suspended under the disciplinary grounds and a BS-21 officer will hold the inquiry in this respect.
To a question about the issue of three days leave for CNG stations, Gilani said, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources will resolve the issue, adding, the representatives of CNG associations have also met him.
To another question about the prices of CNG and petroleum products, the Prime Minister said, the Ministry of Petroleum was the appropriate ministry to speak on the subject and ultimately it is the cabinet which takes decision on such matters.
About the appointment of Chairman NAB, the Prime Minister said the government will follow law and the Constitution in this respect.
To another question about the formation of new government in Azad Kashmir, Gilani congratulated the people of AJK for electing the representatives of their choice and said the new AJK government will be formed after the election of special seats for technocrats, women and Ulema.