News
Monday, January 16, 2012
I’m only answerable to parliament: Gilani* Prime minister says he is not answerable to any individual, will present viewpoint whenever parliament wants
* Says a new PM is always welcome
* Parliament should complete its five-year term
VEHARI: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday said that under the constitution, he was answerable only to parliament and not to any individual.
He was responding to a question about a news report that claimed that Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani had asked President Asif Ali Zardari during a meeting on Saturday to press the prime minister to take back his remarks about the army chief.
“According to the constitution, the prime minister, ministers, ministers of the state, are all answerable to parliament. I am not answerable to any individual... whenever parliament wants, I will present my viewpoint,” he told reporters.
He said the president had already rejected a report by a foreign news agency that any such demand was made that either he (Gilani) retract his remarks or give an explanation.
He said all state institutions needed to work within their respective ambit, according to the constitution. “What I said was not an accusation,” he said, adding that the government wanted respect for the constitution, rule of law, and all institutions to work within their limits. I said just one thing, that rules and procedures were not followed. And that was the defence secretary’s fault, for which we removed him from his post.”
The prime minister said he was the representative of the people of Pakistan and had always said that parliament would complete its five-year term, as it had been elected by the people of Pakistan. “It is important that it completes its term.”
He, however, said it was not important that the prime minister completes his term, and there was a laid down procedure to bring in a new prime minister.
He said he never stated that he would stay a prime minister throughout the tenure of government.
“We would welcome if anyone wants to bring in a new prime minister, according to the constitution,” Gilani said. Replying to another question, the prime minister said the Senate elections would be held in time.
About Seraiki province, Gilani said the party had a consensus on the province, and had completed discussion with other political parties on the issue. He said the party would soon table a resolution in parliament. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk