Gilani moves to calm MQM, ANP over Swat

KARACHI - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the agreement in Swat was meant to ensure peace in the area, adding that if peace was restored the agreement would remain intact.
Talking to media here on Saturday after attending a meeting of Sindh Cabinet, he said that ANP had recommended the agreement in the larger national interest though it was against their ideology.
He pointed out that government officers including those of Interior Ministry were moving freely in Swat after the agreement.
He said that the Federal Government allowed the provincial government to negotiate for Swat peace and for providing speedy justice in the valley.
He said historically it was agreed with the ruler of Swat when the valley was merged in Pakistan that the system prevailing in the valley would continue.
He said that late Benazir Bhutto respected that agreement and allowed to continue the old system of the valley and later former President Pervez Musharraf also made the same agreement.
Replying to a question, he said that Pakistan wanted good friendly relations with India, Iran and Afghanistan.
He further said that Mumbai incident affected Pakistans relations with India but hoped that steps initiated to restart Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) would succeed in restoring trust again.
When asked about the differences between the two coalition partners MQM and ANP on the issue of Swat, he said that both parties had their own manifesto and ideologies and opinions, but added we would make efforts to narrow those differences.
He defended the performance of his govt and said that govt faced numerous challenges ranging from political to economic, judicial, and constitutional and law and order when his govt took over the reins of administration.
He said that under the circumstances the performance of the govt during the past year was excellent. He said PPP govt would continue its political reconciliation policy for stabilisation of the political system. He was of the view that political stability was linked with economic stability.
He emphasised that political stability in the country would lead to all-round socio-economic development. He said that when he assumed office the country was facing numerous challenges.
When asked about relations with Punjab govt, he said the people gave their mandate to political parties. He was of the view that both the PPP and the PML-N had struggled for the restoration of democracy. The people also voted for the change in the system, he added.
He said both the parties had achieved the task of restoration of the democratic process and were striving to stabilise political system.
He said 'we are making efforts to show political maturity and work together. The Prime Minister assured that all projects of Sindh govt would be taken up on priority basis.
Gilani said that the proposals of Sindh Cabinet put forth in the meeting would be considered on return of President Asif Ali Zardari from his foreign visits.
Answering a question, the Prime Minister said that salaries of Sindh Police personnel should also be raised and brought at par with those in Punjab where recently the govt of Punjab had announced increase in salaries of the police.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Sindh Minister for Information Ms. Shazia Marri were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, he presided over the special session of Sindh Cabinet at Chief Ministers House. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Food Minister Nazar Muhammad Gondal, provincial ministers, adviser and special assistance to CM were also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister said that the Federal government will provide support and cooperation to Sindh govt in its efforts to carry out development projects in the social sector.
He spoke at length about the political situation in the country, law and order, economy and the foreign policy at the meeting and said that the govt was working for the restoration of 1973 Constitution according to the Charter of Democracy (COD) signed by two former prime ministers.
Talking of the economy, he said that countrys economy has been showing positive signs due to stringent measures taken by the govt.
Referring to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Income Support Programme, the Prime Minister said that it has been very well received by the masses in the country and the world at large. This programme, he said will be further improved to reach every poor in the country.
Every effort should be made to ensure transparency and merit in this programme so that the financial help reached poorest, he added.
He said that MPAs have also been involved in the process irrespective of their party and gender.
Gilani said that he has asked all the Federal Ministers to visit all the provinces and contact people to solve their problems at their door steps.
'I have already asked the Planning Commission to take up infrastructure development projects of all the provinces, he added.
He made it clear that the primary duty of the govt was to ensure political stability in the country that in turn would bring economic stability.
Talking of KESC, he said that the issues regarding the utility company will be resolved soon and the people of Karachi will get rid of loadshedding with the help of better management and improved efficiency.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the law and order situation in Sindh province.
APP adds: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called upon countrymen to give up their differences and focus on the progress of Pakistan only, as envisioned by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, through the process of reconciliation.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of dredging and reclamation works for the multi-billion rupees Deep Water Container Terminal at the Karachi Port on Saturday, the Prime Minister said Pakistans basic issues are poverty, inflation, lawlessness, terrorism, extremism and unemployment and said one must fought against these menaces for which the policy of reconciliation was to be followed.
Gilani said the prime ministers and ministers keep coming and going but those who gave us votes only want changing the system. He was of the view that there was a dire need to strengthen the institutions and promote the rule of law, adding, all the institutions must perform their respective functions within the ambit of 1973 Constitution. He warned if they failed in doing so, then there would be confrontation and would only harm the institutions.
We will carry out legislation to give a constitution to our future generation for which they will always remain thankful to us, he maintained.
Gilani said unlike the past, they would not work for strengthening the chair but rather strengthening the people of Pakistan.
He pointed out that the PPP leaders and workers went to jails and struggled only for the rights of people and now endeavours were being made for changing the system and not the faces. The system will change only when the constitution will be respected, he remarked and added, Your acts will become a part of the history and their impression will continue to be felt for centuries like Field Marshal Ayub Khan, General Yahya Khan, General Zia-ul- Haq and General Parvez Musharraf who are remembered as dictators.
He said if people wanted economic stability, then they would have to bring political stability first and unless there was economic stability no one would investment here and for investment political stability must have to be demonstrated.
It is my earnest wish that there is political stability in the country and law and order is under control, because unless terrorism and extremism are contained, there will be no investment. He also emphasised that all the issues were inter-related.
He sought the support of the people and media for the attainment of these objectives and said no war in the world could be won without the support of people.
The Prime Minister announced a donation of 50 mobiles for Karachi Police in recognition of their hard work in the maintenance of law and order. He also directed KPT to construct a bridge at Lea Market to facilitate the people of Lyari.
Later on, the Prime Minister accompanied by Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri, State Minister Nabeel Gabol and Chairperson KPT Nasreen Haque, unveiled the plaque marking the inauguration of dredging and reclamation works by China Electric Corporation.
Earlier, the President of China Water and Electric Corporation Lu Guojun, presented a beautiful memento on behalf of his company to the Prime Minister while Federal Minister Babar Khan Ghauri and Chairperson KPT Nasreen Haque also presented souvenirs to the Prime Minister on behalf of KPT.
The ceremony culminated with a stunning fireworks show fascinating the participants.