LAHORE – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Monday pledged not to derail democratic process and also agreed on the point that all institutions should work under the ambit of the Constitution.
Shahbaz Sharif called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani at latter’s Defence residence to discuss political situation emerging after the striking down of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) by the Supreme Court.
Both the leaders agreed that under the circumstances, the country could not afford any political confrontation and that the elected representatives of the people were under added responsibility to save the system setting aside political differences. The two leaders, who deliberated upon various issues of national importance for over two hours, vowed to protect and strengthen the present democratic system and to work for supremacy of the Parliament.
They also agreed that members of the their respective parties would not speak harsh against each other to avoid any confrontation.
‘Both the leaders agreed that present democratic system, earned through unprecedented struggle by political parties and the people of Pakistan, would be protected and strengthened at all costs to work for the welfare of the people’, a statement issued from the PM House said.
They also agreed that all institutions should work under the ambit of the Constitution.
‘Both the leaders agreed that supremacy of Parliament, which reflects the will of the 170 million people of Pakistan, the rule of law and strengthening of State institutions would be ensured’, the statement further added.
The Prime Minister said the new accountability law was under process and suggestions from other political parties would be incorporated in it to ensure across the board accountability.
‘The present government has taken lead over past regimes by presenting itself for accountability’, he said.
He said the Constitutional Reforms Committee was working on fast track basis on the repeal of 17th Amendment and said the nation would soon hear good news in this regard.
They agreed that the two parties should work closely to address the issues relating to the common man and for improving the standard of living of the poor segments of the society.
Gilani said that PPP had adopted a policy of reconciliation and consensus and has taken countryÂ’s political leadership on board on all matters of national importance.
Govt respects the judgement of the Supreme Court, he said.
The Punjab Chief Minister appreciated Prime MinisterÂ’s policy of reconciliation and consensus politics, particularly the role played by him in building consensus on the NFC Award, which he termed was an historic milestone in the history of the country.
Both the leaders emphasised that NFC was the fruit of democracy which would ensure economic prosperity in all parts of the country.
The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of all the provinces for reaching consensus on 7th NFC Award. He praised the role of the Punjab government to achieve this end and said it reflected that the political leadership of the country was fully capable of resolving issues of national importance.
Gilani said that stable, prosperous provinces would augur well for the Federation and would go a long way in strengthening the democratic system. The Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister of a new schools system being introduced in the province by the name of ‘Danish Schools’
He said the project of modern and fully equipped schools has started from South Punjab and were being expanded to the rest of Punjab. He also briefed the Prime Minister about the measures being taken by the Punjab government regarding foolproof security arrangements during the month of Muharram particularly during Youm-e-Ashur.