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Saturday, March 06, 2010
Pakistan will be rid of terrorists soon: Gilani
* PM vows to restore 1973 constitution to original form
* Says government welcomes positive criticism by opposition, mediaStaff Report
ISLAMABAD: We have dealt severe blows to terrorists and the day is not far when we will rid the country of them, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Friday.
In his first address to the nation on radio, Gilani said terrorism had severely affected the national economy, deterring international investors from investing in the country.
“Disappointed and unsuccessful, these terrorists turned to civilian populations, but the vigilant people of the country have seen their real faces now,” he added.
The prime minister said efforts to improve the economy are underway. “It is, undoubtedly, a difficult time, but with the support of a united nation, we will successfully pass through this difficult period,” he added.
Gilani said the Pakistan People’s Party had formed a coalition government in the Centre by pursuing a policy of reconciliation in line with the vision of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
“Within two years we have not only moved ahead with fulfilling the promises made in the party’s manifesto, but are also endeavouring to resolve the issues that we had inherited.”
Gilani said the challenges confronting Pakistan include terrorism, inflation, unemployment, political confrontation, lack of trust between state institutions, energy crisis, economic instability, decline in industrial growth, law and order situation and a sense of dissatisfaction among the people.
Constitution: The prime minister vowed to restore the 1973 constitution to its original form. He said his government would complete its constitutional term after which it would appear before the nation once again to be held accountable. “We are trying to revive the unanimous 1973 constitution to its original form, which has been distorted by dictators. We are rectifying it and the nation will soon hear the good news,” Gilani said, adding that the government had replaced the concept of political confrontation with the notion of reconciliation and harmony.
“We are determined to uphold the supremacy of the constitution and parliament. The entire world has seen that we have reinstated the sacked judges and respected the recent verdicts of the Supreme Court,” the prime minister added.
Criticism: Gilani said the government welcomed positive criticism of its performance by the opposition and the media, however, he stressed that ethics be followed and facts must not be distorted. He said the decision of the masses is reliable, sound and final, adding that every such decision would be honoured and respected with an open heart and mind.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk