Despite conspiracies, Senate polls will happen on time: Gilani

Government is committed to hold elections on time, the Prime Minister says. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that several conspiracies have been hatched to stop the Senate elections but the government is committed to holding the polls on time.

Speaking to media at the Seeratun Nabi Conference in Islamabad, Gilani said that the government was consulting allies and opposition parties to reach a mutual understanding on the issue of the 20th amendment.

“The government wants to have the 20th amendment passed unanimously,” Gilani said, adding that the amendment was a very serious matter and even the apex court had directed the government to get approval from all stakeholders.

Free elections

The prime minister said that the government wanted free, fair and transparent elections through an independent election commission.

“Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has always suffered because of election rigging and hence wants to ensure transparency in polls,” Gilani said.

New provinces

Gilani said there are conspiracies against the creation of a Seraiki province but the government would now work even more effectively for its creation.

He mentioned the demand for restoration of the Bahawalpur state and said that the matter fizzled out because there could not be a state within the state.

Gilani said that many issues had to be considered for creation of a new province.

“There should be a province that covers not only Bahawalpur, but also adjoining areas in southern Punjab,” he said.