Issue of Deputy PM to be resolved: Gilani
500 viewsBy jazbablog - Mon May 02, 12:51 am
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday said an agreement to include Pakistan Muslim League-Q in the Federal Government was matter of hours and the issue of post of deputy prime minister would be resolved.
Talking to a live TV programme “Prime Minister Online” here, Gilani said, “although the post of deputy prime minister is not in the constitution but solution of the issue will be found.”
He said that in line with the government’s policy of reconciliation, he talked with MQM chief Altaf Hussain on phone and invited him to join the Federal Government as they are already part of the Sindh government.
The Prime Minister, who called the MQM chief to condole over the death of a senior member of his party, also took him into confidence about the prevailing political situation.
The Prime Minister said that he would hold talks with Chaudhry brothers, leaders of PML-Q, on the formation of government.
Gilani said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) remained their allies for three years in Punjab but then its leaders chose their own path.
Discussing media reports about the role of ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) in the activities of politicians, the Prime Minister said that there should be maturity on the part of politicians after 64 years.
In this regard, he said, if anybody had proof, it should be shared with the government.
Prime Minister Gilani said drone attacks were counter-productive and had adverse impacts on the military and political strategy against militancy.
The Prime Minister asked that drone technology should be transferred to Pakistan and US should reconsider its position on use of drones.
As a civilized and responsible country, Pakistan is using all the diplomatic channels to put across its viewpoint and there is realization that drone attacks were creating a negative impact, he added.
Gilani said drone attacks started during the previous government of Pervez Musharraf, after permission was given for surveillance.
But subsequently the Americans got intelligence and they carried out drone attacks, he added.
He said, “We already have intelligence and defence cooperation with America” and the government asked America to share credible and actionable intelligence with Pakistan.
He said the western world was narrow-minded in acknowledging the sacrifices of Pakistan in combating militancy.
“Terrorists were attacking innocent civilians, law enforcement personnel and besides challenging writ of the government. It is not a proxy war,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister said terrorists neither have religion nor any ideology and added Pakistan was combating militancy in its own interest and not for the United States.
