'Creation of Seraiki province PPP’s priority’

Gillani opines US immigration ban to hit Pakistan

MULTAN: Establishment of Seraiki province is the topmost priority of Pakistan Peoples Party. PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will formally announce the party’s manifesto in the upcoming procession which would be held in Multan on March 10. He was addressing the media men.

This was said by former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani while addressing the journalists at Fort Qasim Stadium in Multan on Thursday. He added the procession would prove a ‘game changer’ for the people of South Punjab.

Yousaf Raza Gillani said previous governments completely neglected the people of South Punjab. “If the issues of South Punjab are highlighted in the corridors of power, its credit goes to Pakistan Peoples Party which became the voice of the people,” he added. He said, “The importance of this region can now be judged from the fact that prime minister and chief minister are also concerned about the development of this region.”

While speaking about USA’s immigration ban on seven Muslim countries, he said Trump administration should revisit its polices because American citizens and its apex court itself turned down Trump’s policies. “Every Muslim is not a terrorist,” he said.

He maintained Pakistan should highlight the role of Islam in its foreign policy. “We must tell the world that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. There is a dire need to remove the label of terrorism which has been imposed by West,” he said.

The PPP leader pointed out next in line to fall on this immigration ban would be Pakistan and Afghanistan. “Pakistan must play its role to defend Islam and Muslims.”

Gillani said Peoples Party has always held constitution, judiciary and state institutions in high regard. He said PPP will accept the decision of Supreme Court regarding Panama papers.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2017.