LAHORE (Agencies) – Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that a comprehensive strategy is needed to control target killings in Karachi, adding that the government has been taking every step that could benefit the country.
Gilani said that a three-member committee comprising foreign, commerce and finance ministers has been constituted to take Parliament into confidence on Afghan transit trade.
Talking to the mediamen here on Saturday, he said all decisions would be taken in line with greater interests of the nation and the country.
Responding to a question about rumour of sanctions on the media, he said there was no restrictions on the media as the PPP had itself struggled for the freedom of the Press.
He said he himself belonged to the media as he had done his master’s in mass communication, adding the PPP had protested against media curbs imposed by Pervez Musharraf. “How my government can impose restrictions on the media?” he asked.
To another question on an extension to the Chief Of Army Staff, he said it was just an administration matter so he would not comment on it.
To a query about his meeting with officials of the education department, he said it had no connection with the issue of fake degrees, adding he was not in favour of fake degrees. He said the issue of bogus degrees had been referred to the Election Commission and it would decide about it according to the law.
Gilani said the government was not fulfilling the desires of any friend, adding just interests of the country were watched.
Regarding target killings in Karachi, he said it was directed to all departments to join their hands and form a common strategy against terrorism.
To a question about the statement of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif regarding sharing information on terrorism, the PM said it was not true that law-enforcement agencies were not cooperating with the Punjab government on the directions of Interior Minister Rehman Malik, adding all departments were not under the Interior Minster.
He said Karachi was a very big city and its foolproof security was not an easy matter.
He said the government was specially focusing on the development of Balochistan but a lot of work was yet to be done there.
The PM said it was directed to departments concerned to ensure the availability of sugar in the markets before the holy month of Ramazan and added the government would not spare any department for negligence.