Balochistan package soon, says Gilani

LAHORE Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) was not a matter of winning or losing but a part of the reconciliatory politics pursued by the government in larger national interest.
Talking to the newsmen at the residence of PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC) member Chaudhry Mohammed Aslam Gill on Sunday, he said the government had decided to bring the NRO in the Parliament on the directives of the apex court.
Gilani visited the Gills residence to express condolence over his mothers death.
The prime minister said the decision of bringing the NRO in the Parliament was withdrawn after accepting the opinion of political parties and feeling the sense of the House. He hoped that the issue of the 17th Amendment would be resolved in the light of Charter of Democracy (CoD).
He asserted that the government would not compromise on national interests, security and nuclear programme of the country.
According to Gilani, PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has been invited to discuss the Balochistan issue, adding that the government was bringing a constitutional package to address the grievances of Balochistan.
To a question about Kerry-Lugar Act, he said it was a legislation made in the US, not in Pakistan and maximum the government could do was to accept or refuse the aid under the Law.
He said the government had approached the IMF to resolve economic crisis caused by war on terror.
Meanwhile, talking to Governor Punjab Salman Taseer who called on him at the State Guest House, Premier Gilani said the government would continue its policy of political reconciliation, and that the political forces would be taken into confidence on all issues of national importance. He said the PPP had made sacrifices for the cause of democracy and it would continue its efforts to strengthen the system. He described democracy as the best system to combat terrorism and extremism.
He said the government would continue its policy of complete independence for media. He said, The strength of democratic institutions lies in the supremacy of the Parliament and an independent media for which the government is making all out efforts.
The prime minister said that the government was sincere efforts in ensuring protection of lives and property of citizens.
The governor thanked the prime minister for the short and long term measures taken to resolve energy crisis.
Meanwhile, Yousuf Raza Gilani visited the residence of PML-N MNA Tehmina Daultana to express his condolence over the death of her husband. He also visited the residence of Asif Hashmi, Chairman Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB), to congratulate him on the marriage of his son Faraz Hashmi.