ISLAMABAD (APP) – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday rejecting any differences between the government and the army said it was a disciplined force, working within the constitutional ambit and has to tow the official policies.
“The army stands by the government, and there is no doubt about it,” the Prime Minister said in an interview with a local news channel.
“It is for the first time that the Pakistan Peoples Party has better ties with the army,” the Prime Minister said when asked about the army’s reservations on the Kerry Lugar bill, its role in restoration of judiciary and decision not to send the ISI chief to India, following the Mumbai attacks.
He said earlier the party used to have an anti-establishment stance, but this time, especially Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kiyani supported the democratic government.
He said the government would complete its five-year term as it was its mandate. He said the nation was aware of all the challenges and he would be answerable to them when he completes his term.
When asked about army’s stance on the Kerry Lugar Bill, the Prime Minister said, “We are together.” Gilani also expressed complete confidence over the working of the Inter Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) and said, “We do not want to politicize them.” He said the army played a “pro-democracy role” that’s why President Asif Ali Zardari was sworn in as the President of the country.
Asked whether the army played a major role in restoration of judiciary, the prime minister said, “I and the President took a decision two days earlier to restore the Chief Justice through an executive order.”
“We decided and then we informed General Kiyani about it,” the prime minister said. He denied any knowledge of any telephone call by the army chief to Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan.
He said Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was restored on the same day when Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar had to retire.
The prime minister also denied the impression that army was playing any role in the politics.
About the recent meetings of the President and the Prime Minister with the political leadership, he said these were routine where they discussed security matters.
Asked about any extension in the tenure of General Kiyani, the prime minister said he was a highly professional General and said the matter should not be made controversial since there was still a year before he was due to retire.
About the defence budget he said the parliament was sovereign and can discuss anything.
Regarding the NRO, Gilani said neither he nor the federation and the four provinces defended it and would not comment as the matter was subjudice. About the NRO cases against the ministers, Gilani said they were already facing the courts.
Terming the drone strikes counterproductive, the prime minister said the US government was being convinced and hoped that soon they would evolve a strategy to share actionable intelligence so that Pakistan can take the action on its own.
Gilani said he was fully abreast with the progress on the countryÂ’s nuclear program.
Regarding trial against President Pervez Musharraf under Article 6, Gilani said, “I am for the trial of Musharraf, but I need consensus of the House.”
He said the Supreme Court too could take suo moto notice as it already had been doing in many cases of public interest.
Regarding his replacement with Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan, the prime minister aid “everybody who is in the party has a right as it is a democracy” and added it was up to the party to take a decision in this regard.
About his achievements during his two-year tenure, the Prime Minister mentioned National Finance Award, self-governance in Gilgit-Baltistan and Aghaz-e-Haqooq Balochistan as his major achievements.
Meanwhile, talking to a select group of print and electronic media representatives at the PM House, the Prime Minister said that the 17th amendment would be repealed and its annulment would be “a feather in the cap of Pakistan People’s Party and its government.”
“I am committed with Mian Nawaz Sharif to undo the 17thamendment, 58- 2(B) and the bar on third time prime ministership,” he said.
He said the committee headed by Senator Raza Rabbaini had resolved most of the issues and its work was now in “final stage.”
The Prime Minister dismissed speculation about a institutional conflict in the making.
“I believe every institution should play its role within the parameters of the Constitution,” he added.
He said the government had full faith in the judiciary and therefore from the day one it had decided not to defend the NRO in the Supreme Court as it was aware of its repercussions.
“We accepted the verdict of the apex court on NRO,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the cases had been reopened in accordance with the verdict and pointed out that mere allegations did not warrant resignation.
“No one can resign on the basis of mere allegations. Let courts take decisions”, he added.
About the challenges the government was facing, Gilani said the government would turn these into opportunities.
“We have not come to power through back door but have been elected by the people of Pakistan and have a mandate for five years. The Government shall complete its tenure,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the PPP enjoyed public support, which was once again demonstrated by results of the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the win of the partyÂ’s candidates also in by-polls.
To a question about possibility of former president Pervez MusharrafÂ’s trial, Gilani said this could be done if all political parties and the parliament support it.
He said it was not Musharraf alone but those who supported him were also liable to being taken to task under article 6 of the Constitution.
To a question, Gilani said there were no differences between the army and the government.
Asked about judgesÂ’ restoration, he said his first order after his election ended detention of the deposed judges.
He said later Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was restored by him in March. “It was my decision and not of the COAS”.
About interference of India in Balochistan, he said he had told the Indian prime minister about it in Sharmel Sheikh in Egypt.
The successful operation in South Waziristan has dismantled the network of Baitullah Mehsud and now the terrorists are on the run, he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government and the security forces were “doing a great job” with public and media support.
He rejected rumours that there were differences between the President and the Prime Minister. “I am running the government and the co-chairperson is running the party.”
The intention of the President is clear and he wants to transfer power to the Parliament, he said.