News
Sunday, January 08, 2012
PPP respects national institutions: Gilani* Prime minister says detractors cannot cow down government
* Says change can only be brought through elections
LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Saurday the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is the custodian of the constitution and it respects all national institutions.
Addressing lawyers from the Lahore Bar Association, he said people wrongfully assumed that the PPP-led government did not have respect for state institutions. “In fact, the PPP is the only party which has always respected and strengthened these institutions. There is democracy in the country ... the judiciary, media and all other institutions are free.”
The prime minister said Zulifkar Ali Bhutto had given the constitution to Pakistan, adding, “Had there been no constitution, it would have been difficult to keep the federation intact ... The PPP’s government has restored the constitution.”
“The PPP has also given the country a nuclear programme and missile technology under the visionary leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” the prime minister said, adding the PPP was the only party, which had roots in all the provinces.
Gilani said he always supported electioneering because “the change can only be brought through elections”. He also said detractors could not cow down the government.
The prime minister said that lawyers participated in the Pakistan movement under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said the Lahore Bar Association had always played an important role in defending democracy and democratic institutions.
He also announced allocation of land for the lawyers’ colony. He also announced 10 percent education quota for the children of LBA members at schools and colleges running under the control of Evacuee Trust Property Board. He said the government would also complete construction of the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Lawyers Hospital this year. The prime minister also gave away excellence awards to the office-bearers of the LBA.
Punjab Governor Latif Khosa and Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Syed Asif Hashmi were also present. staff report/agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk