News
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Solution to Karachi problem lies in political dialogue: PM* Gilani says terrorists will not be allowed to play with people’s lives
* Immediate danger to national security emanates from internal factors
ISLAMABAD: The government believes that the long-term solution to the Karachi problem lies in political dialogue, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday.
Addressing the stone-laying ceremony of the Supreme Court Bar Association Complex, he said, “The government cannot and would not allow the terrorists and gangsters to play with the lives of innocent people of Karachi.”
He said that worsening law and order situation in the metropolis would adversely affect the country’s economy, adding that the government would bring perpetrators of violence in Karachi to justice with the cooperation of political forces.
“I am hopeful that with the cooperation of all political forces and the people of Karachi, we will foil the designs of nefarious elements,” he said.
The federal government fully endorses the steps taken by the Sindh government and assures it of its complete cooperation. “The provincial cabinet, in a recent meeting chaired by me, has ordered across the board action against miscreants,” he said.
He said that every institution had to work within its space. “We all have to follow the constitution. If we all respect the constitution all the problems facing the country would be resolved,” he said.
Recalling struggle against the Musharraf regime, Gilani said, “Many of us stood outside this building protesting against the despotic rule of a dictator.” He added that the lawyers’ movement called for a change – a shift has occurred in the political landscape of the country but much more needs to be accomplished to ensure that inexpensive justice was accessible to all.
Numerating his government’s success, the prime minister said that the passage of the 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments by parliament was a giant step forward. “These amendments show the maturity, strength and dynamism of our political system,” he said.
Individuals continue to come and go but these are the institutions which remain and provide strength to the democratic system. “I have a firm conviction that if democracy functions on a sustainable basis, the system can resolve the contemporary issues amicably that confront the nation,” he said.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was going through troubling days and the immediate dangers to national security emanated from internal factors.
The consensus of political forces on key national issues demonstrate a spirit of harmony, goodwill and mutual cooperation, which augurs well for the strengthening of the democratic system in the country. “The solution to Pakistan’s chronic problems, I believe, lies in the collective political wisdom,” he observed.
The opposition could also serve the country and the existence of parliament ensures the opposition in the country.
Regarding the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) role in public interest litigation, he said that Begum Nusrat Bhutto had challenged the illegality of the Zia regime.
He said that PPP hold the bench and the bar in high esteem, as they were instrumental in enforcing fundamental rights.
They are most aware of the flaws within the system, which fail to convict those who have committed crimes, he said, adding that where such failures become the rule, rather than an exception, crime thrives and justice is denied to victims. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk