News
Monday, April 11, 2011
Political leadership united against challenges: Gilani
* PM says government will take its allies, political parties into confidence while preparing next year’s budget
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that the political leadership was united and unanimous when it came to facing grave economic and security challenges confronting the country.
Talking to reporters after inaugurating a three-day energy conference, the prime minister said that Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) government would continue to pursue the policy of reconciliation as it respected the mandate of all political parties and its leadership was sincere in resolving all issues.
He said the government had already given a subsidy of Rs 35 billion on the petroleum products and had no option but to raise their prices in view of global hike in rates.
Gilani said the government would take all its allies and political parties into confidence while preparing the next year’s budget and try to incorporate their proposals.
Regarding the devolution of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the prime minister said that the government had the ability to address all challenges.
When asked that the parties that supported the 18th Amendment were also opposing the HEC’s devolution, the prime minister said that difference of opinion was a part of democracy.
Replying to a question about adulteration in diesel and other items, particularly in rural areas, Gilani said that it was a serious matter.
About a statement made by the Home Minister of Sindh, Zulfiqar Mirza, Gilani said those were his personal views. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk