LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the issue of the 17th Amendment would be resolved in accordance with the Charter of Democracy.
Talking to reporters at the residence of PPP central executive committee member Aslam Gill on Sunday, he said the government had decided to table the NRO in parliament in accordance with a Supreme Court order. But it was withdrawn in view of the opinion of political parties. ‘This is not a matter of winning or losing but part of the government’s policy of reconciliation in the larger national interest.’
Mr Gilani asserted that there would be no compromise on national interests, security and the nuclear programme.
He said the PPP had rendered more sacrifices than any other political party for the restoration of judiciary and it was Benazir Bhutto who had launched the movement for the purpose.
The prime minister said that after becoming prime minister, his first orders were for the release of judges.
On the Kerry-Lugar Act, he said it was a law of the United States, not of Pakistan. ‘The most we can do is to refuse to accept aid under it.’
He said Pakistan needed IMF assistance because the country ‘is in a state of war and it needs help to resolve its economic issues’.
He said the government had accepted an MQM proposal that a two-member committee be set up on the NRO.
He said the government was preparing to present a constitutional package on Balochistan to address issues of the province, adding that consultations would be held with all political parties on the matter.
The prime minister said he had invited Mian Nawaz Sharif to discuss the Balochistan issue. — APP
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