News
Friday, August 19, 2011
Gilani rejects Nawaz’s call for early elections* Prime minister says all state institutions are working within the ambit of constitution
* Directs across the board action against the criminals in Karachi
ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern over the latest statement of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that elections would be held on time.
Talking to reporters during his visit to a Utility Store in Aabpara Market, the prime minister said that all the state institutions were working within the ambit of constitution and were following democratic norms and processes.
He said that he was not aware of which institutions Nawaz was talking about and advised that the institutions should not be involved in politics.
Nawaz has been talking about elections since the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) came into power, he said, adding that the present federal and provincial governments have come through elections and after getting votes of the people.
He said that he had talked with the Sindh governor and the chief minister and took briefing from Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Inspector General of Sindh Police on the law and order situation in Karachi. The interior minister has been directed to reach Sindh and coordinate work of law enforcement agencies to improve security situation in Karachi, he said, adding that he also talked to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain and consultations were directed towards bringing normalcy to Karachi.
He said that the government was concerned about the situation and it would not tolerate any hurdle in its efforts to keep law and order in the city and culprits would be brought to justice.
The army fully supports the actions taken by the Sindh government to maintain peace, he remarked.
The prime minister said that he was satisfied with the prices and quality of consumer items available at the Utility Store.
Separately, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad called on the prime minister and apprised him about the Karachi situation.
The prime minister issued instructions for an immediate and across the board action against the criminals who were playing with the peace of the metropolis. “Show no leniency to these elements who are there to ruin the city life,” the prime minister said.
Gilani also spoke to the Sindh chief minister, directing him to immediately hold a meeting of the provincial administration and take action against the criminals to bring them to justice.
The prime minister also directed the inspector general of Sindh Police to spare no effort in apprehending the killers. Gilani also directed the interior minister to immediately go to Karachi to control the situation.
MQM Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar briefed the prime minister about the law and order situation in Karachi.
The prime minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the violence. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk