Gilani confused over Supreme Court directives to write letter

Says he is confused in which case he had to write the letters to Swiss authorities.

ISLAMABAD: Recounting the single biggest moment of the incumbent government, restoring the 1973 constitution without clear majority, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said that he was confused over Supreme Court’s directives.

Talking to a selected group of journalists in Islamabad at Prime Minister House, expressed his surprise at the directives sent to the Attorney General of Pakistan’s office earlier in the day.

“I am confused as the directives of Supreme Court are not clear on which case it wants me to write a letter?” he asked.

“I have to sign many files daily and take decisions in the national interest, I follow rules, I follow Constitution and I don’t feel that I have made any contempt,” Gilani commented. He added that he would first consult his lawyer before taking any decision in this regard.

He expressed hope that the government would achieve consensus in the Parliament on the issue of accountability law as he enjoyed good level of understanding with opposition party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders on national issues.

‘Cannot rule out foreign involvement in Balochistan’

While discussing Balochistan and the proposed all parties conference, the Prime Minister said that he had directed the federal law enforcing agencies to extend their full cooperation to the provincial government as law and order was a provincial subject.

He said there were many factors and forces involved in destabilising law and order situation in the province, however, foreign involvement cannot be ruled out.

"We cannot rule out foreign involvement."

Prime Minister said that a APC or Grand Jirga could be convened on the request and recommendation of Balochistan government and consultations were in progress in that regard.

"I did talk to law enforcing agencies, Chief of Army Staff, the DG ISI and other officials to ensure that they will extend cooperation to the provincial government to improve law and order situation in Balochistan,” he said, adding that this had been requested by the Balochistan government.

Regarding other grievances, He said that the Balochistan government was satisfied with issues such as royalty and share from the National Finance Commission Award but was still facing problems due to lack of trust shown by some Baloch leaders.

Pakistan-US Ties

Commenting on Pak-US relations, the Prime Minister said a joint session of the Parliament would be held soon to review the policy.

Referring to the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project and whether Pakistan would go for the project, he said that the US cannot sanction Pakistan, since it was a sovereign country. The decision was being taken independently without any pressure and will prefer national interest at all costs, he added.

Gilani said, "there is friendship after quarrel," and Pakistan hoped that its relations with the United Stated, following the review process, would be stronger as they would have a nod from the Parliament.

Mehrangate

Responding to a question regarding the Mehran Bank case, Gilani was of the opinin that "It should have been done earlier."

The Prime Minister said the government would take a decision in that regard after consulting its coalition partners.

On accountability of ministers and secretaries, the Prime Minister said he had sacked three ministers and many secretaries on the issue of accountability during his four-year tenure.

Gillani also hinted towards the possibility of reshuffling in the Federal Cabinet after the Senate elections, "I cannot rule out the possibility of a change in the cabinet," he said.

He said those government organisations which are running in losses, their heads would be removed to improve their performance.