PPP to remain part of Punjab coalition: PM

LAHORE - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that in the greater national interest and in pursuance of
the national reconciliation policy, the Pakistan Peoples Party has decided to remain part of the coalition
government in Punjab.
The Premier said this during his meeting with Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, who called on him at the
latters residence here on Saturday evening.
Gilani said the decision to remain part of the Punjab Cabinet had been taken in accordance with the Charter of
Democracy with a view to focus on real issues confronting the nation, including extremism, militancy, poverty,
unemployment, inflation and energy shortage. It is imperative that in these challenging times, all political forces
should join hands to meet both internal and external threats, he averred. Shahbaz Sharif welcomed the decision
and expressed the confidence that this would strengthen democratic traditions in the country.
It is expected that the Prime Minister, CM Punjab and Leader of Opposition Ch Nisar Ali Khan would again meet
along to discuss the modalities of the arrangements for ensuring harmonious working between the PPP and the
PML-N.
On April 13, Gilani had also invited the PML-N to join the Federal Government when Shahbaz Sharif met him at
the Prime Minister House. Even then, the premier had underlined the need for cooperation between the two
mainstream political parties in the greater national interest.
In all the meetings between the two leaders, there had been a consensus to show mutual respect for each
others mandate.
Earlier, Prime Minister Gilani said that Nizam-e-Adl Regulation (NAR) is in accordance with the Constitution of
the country and traditions of people of the area and the government would fully honour Swat agreement if peace
is ensured.
However, if the agreement is not honoured by the other side and peace remains elusive, we would revisit and
review the deal, said the Prime Minister while talking to reporters after distributing certificates among students
completing various courses at Rangers Technical Institute on Saturday.
The premier said the Swat deal, signed by the NWFP government, was endorsed by the Parliament through a
unanimous resolution and the federal government also approved it respecting the mandate of the provincial
government.
The objective of the deal was to ensure peace and if it is not achieved, we will reconsider the deal, he said.
Replying to a question about the countrys nuclear programme he said, Pakistan is a nuclear power and the
strategic assets are national assets and in safe hands. Those spreading rumours about the nuclear programme
are enemies of the country and media should play its role by ignoring baseless conjectures, he said.
To another question, the prime minister said Pakistan wanted to have good friendly relations with all
neighbouring countries including India and Afghanistan. Terrorism is a curse, which has no boundaries. Some
elements are using Islam for their abominable and inhuman acts of terrorism and thus bringing bad name to our
great religion which preaches peace, brotherhood and amity, averred the premier.
When asked about the MQM leaders statements demanding removal of top cops of Sindh, Prime Minister Gilani
said he had already talked to MQM Chief Altaf Hussain and a committee comprising representatives of PPP,
MQM and ANP was constituted which would go to the grass root level to ensure peace.
I was given briefing by different law enforcement agencies about violence in Karachi. I also talked to political
forces and assured MQM that an independent inquiry would be held into the tragic incidents, he told the
mediamen.