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Thursday, January 17, 2013
Raja lauds opposition parties’ pledge to uphold constitution
* PM says all political parties will be consulted on all matters related to elections
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has welcomed the declaration of the opposition parties at a conference in Lahore regarding upholding of constitution and holding of free and fair elections in the country.
Welcoming the opposition’s stand on upholding the constitution, the prime minister assured the nation that the government is committed to free, fair and impartial elections as per law and constitution and warned that any obstacles created in its way would not be tolerated. Prime Minister Raja also assured all the political parties that they would be consulted on all matters related to elections so that no one can point fingers on its conduct or results.
He said that the declaration by the opposition parties to uphold the constitution and preserve the democratic system was historic and bodes well for democracy and future of the country. This is reflective of the political maturity of political forces of the country, he added. The prime minister reaffirmed that elections will be held on time and would be conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain called on the prime minister. Both the leaders discussed the prevailing political situation. Sources said that the PML-Q chief, during the meeting, expressed reservations over the statement Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira that the government was not aware of the meeting of Tahirul Qadri with him (Shujaat). The PML-Q chief said that the meeting was held after taking President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja into confidence, the sources added.
Separately, former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) gave the country its constitution and would also protect it. Talking to APP, he said democracy is the only solution to all problems of people and it is the only way to ensure peace, progress and prosperity of the country through a constitutional way. To a question, he said no one can claim to be a true representative of the masses, as election is the only process to determine the real representatives of the people of Pakistan.
He said those people who are giving lecture on democracy and reforms, should prove their worth, what had they done for democracy in the past. Replying to another question, Gilani said that long march is not a yardstick to judge people’s support, and added that elections are the only way to decide who had the mandate of people and every one should adopt this method. staff report/agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk