No objection to CJP protocol to Iftikhar: PM

LAHORE - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said he has no objection to the official reception being accorded to the deposed Chief Justice in the provincial metropolis.
"The PPP and PML-N have formed the Punjab coalition government according to a formula settled during Benazir Bhutto's life. A few things are considered good by them (the PML-N) and a few by us, as both parties have their own manifestos to actualise."
He was talking to mediamen at the Lahore Airport upon his arrival in the city on Friday. Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer, Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed, Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Jehangir Badar, Qasim Zia and others were also present on the occasion.
Answering a question about the present crisis of the coalition government in the Punjab and visible division between the PML-N and the PPP, Gilani told the mediamen that Governor Punjab had already met President Asif Ali Zardari, while Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif would be meeting the President as well. "They can better tell you about the state of affairs of the Punjab government. However, the PML-N is our coalition partner, and both parties have formed the provincial government. That is why we wish to have a stable government, and want to resolve the real issues of the masses, instead of superficial tackling of the problems. Now both parties should endeavour that the present system does not become a victim of political instability," he said.
To another question in the same context and N-League's announcement for extending support to the proposed Long March, the premier observed that both PML-N and the PPP were two different political parties having their own manifestos. "The PPP and PML-N have formed the Punjab coalition government according to a formula settled during Benazir Bhutto's life. A few things are considered good by them (the PML-N) and a few by us," he said while offering no further comments on the conflict between two leading political parties.
To a hypothetical about Shahbaz Sharif's disqualification and future strategy of the PPP government, and Punjab government's anti stance to the federal government, the premier said, "We will cross the bridge when it comes. Both political parties have gone through much, and will act responsibly. That is why I expect of the parties to act pragmatically."
He did not dilate much upon the question about the official protocol being extended to the deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry by the Punjab government on his visit to the provincial metropolis on Saturday (today), but added that whosoever wanted to do anything in this regard, could do as per his wishes. "I will not comment on the official protocol being given to him. Extending welcome and giving reception to anyone is their right, and I have no objection to this," he said without mentioning any name.
About the present crises, and rumours regarding the dissension between him and Zardari, Gilani acknowledged the economic predicament, while terming the conflict speculations as baseless. "There are no two opinions about the economic crisis, and emergent need for mending it. Our government has prioritised economic well-being of the people and elimination of terrorism besides resolving other problems," he added.
To a question about the culprits behind the Samjota Express, and their extradition to Pakistan after the latter's demand, while aiming to straighten the record, Gilani said his assertion had been further substantiated by CM Gujrat Narinder Singh Moodi, who had said mere information was not a proof. "There is no extradition treaty between India and Pakistan. Secondly, the Anti-Terrorism Act does not encompass crimes committed in other countries, and further indictment of the culprits in Pakistan. There is a need for amending the Act, which will take time, and the resolution of the issue will consume more time," he maintained.
Gilani also reiterated the stance that no Pakistani citizen would be handed over to any other country for investigation.
About the Swat situation, Gilani maintained that foreign hand was there behind the mayhem. "The Chechens, Arabs, Afghanis, drug barons and other resistant groups are behind the terrorism in Swat. As terrorists operate sans boundaries, they act independently. People have given us the mandate to resolve issues, and, as I have said on the National Assembly floor, we have to revisit our strategy. We will definitely resolve the problem soon, as the civil administration and the army will jointly work for this," he said.
On leaving the conference hall, Gilani light-heartedly thanked the media for not asking any question about the Governor Punjab.