Afghan reconciliation process in interest of a stable Pakistan: Gilani

Pakistan will support reconciliation which is Aghan-owned, Afghan-led for regional security, says Gilani.

ISLAMABAD: A day before his visit to Qatar to talk with officials on the Afghan reconciliation process, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the talks were in the interest of a “stable Pakistan”.

Gilani told a gathering of journalists in Islamabad, that Pakistan will support a reconciliation which is Aghan-owned and Afghan-led for the betterment of security conditions in the region.

The premier said that Pakistan has only one stance – a stable region. “If the security situation of our neighbouring countries is good, then the security conditions of Pakistan will be good too.”

Speaking about growing criticism on restoring Nato supplies, Gilani said, “Criticism has been voiced by some political parties and even at some rallies like Difa-e-Pakistan on the resumption of Nato supplies, I ask them, did we block the supplies on their suggestion?”

The prime minister highlighted that the national interest was kept in mind during the Nato supply blockade and said that the government will only do what is decided by the joint session of parliament.

Responding to a question about by-elections, Gilani said not only the Pakistan Peoples Party, but all the parties were contesting in the upcoming elections. “We don’t want to leave a bad taste. We are professionals and will hold the elections in a professional way. PPP has been contesting elections and will continue doing so.” He further said that state within a state cannot be formed.

He said that an independent election commission will be ensured in order to hold rigging-free and transparent elections.

In his remark on the Twentieth amendment to the Constitution, Gilani said that the amendment was a “serious matter” and that a decision could only be taken once there is a consensus among all the members of the parliament.

“We have inititated the process and have also taken an approval from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice in this regard.”