News
Monday, May 17, 2010
PM wants accountability of NRO architect* Gilani says court should also have summoned NRO architect for his version
* Law minister will appear in Supreme Court to present govt’s viewpointLAHORE: The architect of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) should also face accountability, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday.
The federal law minister will present the government’s viewpoint when he appears in the Supreme Court, the prime minister said adding that it would have been better if the architect of the NRO had also been called for his version.
Talking to a delegation of the Lahore Press Club, who met him at the Prime Minister’s House, Gilani said the government had always respected the judiciary and would continue the policy in larger interest of the country.
He said the government’s policy of reconciliation and tolerance would help improve the situation.
The prime minister said all institutions of the state had to work in harmony to ensure stability and prosperity of the country, adding that the system laid down by the constitution clearly demarcated their responsibilities.
Praising the media’s role in creating awareness among the people, he said the media also had the responsibility to help establish peace and harmony in the society.
Gilani said the media had to be balanced and objective while discharging its responsibilities to inform and guide people on national issues.
To a question on the performance of the government, the prime minister elaborated upon the decision-making process at the federal level. He mentioned regular cabinet meetings since its inception, meetings of the Economic Coordination Committee and his regular attendance at both houses of parliament. He said these forums not only help in decision-making, but also ensure the accountability of the government initiatives on various fronts.
To a question, Gilani said the government had made good a majority of commitments through the party manifesto, adding that the PPP had made great sacrifices for the restoration of democracy and would continue with the spirit of strengthening the democratic system.
Congratulating the party’s winning candidates in the by-polls, Jamshaid Dasti NA-178 (Muzaffargarh) and Asghar Ali Jatt NA-167 (Vehari), the prime minister requested Federal Minister for Defence and Defence Production Abdul Qayyum Jatoi to reconsider his resignation.
“Qayyum Jatoi’s performance was good and the party values his worth and has full confidence in his leadership. It recognises his services,” he said.
The prime minister assured the LPC office-bearers that he would ask federal ministers as well as request the chairman of the National Implementation Commission for frequent interaction with the media and urge them to utilise platforms like the LPC.
Gilani also directed authorities concerned to ensure mass publication of a book on the two-year performance of the government to facilitate the media, diplomats and other segments of the society.
The LPC delegation praised the reconciliatory approach of the prime minister, which had helped resolve various crises. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk