My departure allowed continuity of democracy: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister and senior Vice Chairman of Pakistan People's Party Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that he chose to walk away from the Prime Minister's House after the Supreme Court verdict to ensure that the parliamentary system put in place by the democratic forces would continue to function and the Parliament completes its term.

Gilani, while talking to members from the PPP Human Rights Cell said that democracy provided the space within which people with different opinions and at times opposing views, could engage in a serious dialogue to resolve complex issues.

"Democracy encourages tolerance and continuity that is essence of a democratic system, which is important for the protection of fundamental freedom and human rights", he added.

The former Prime Minister said that he was satisfied that the democratic government under his premiership had initiated fundamental reforms in legislative, political, and economic domains that have strengthened democracy.

"The devolution of power to the provinces coupled with consensus the 7th NFC Award are some of the historic steps of my government, which have strengthened federation," he added.

Gilani further claimed that his government strengthened fundamental rights chapter of the Constitution by incorporating Article 25-A, which made primary education compulsory up to 16 years of age. Article 19-A, Right to Information and Article 10-A, Right to fair trial.

He said that the Parliament legislated on creation of National Commission for Human Rights and the government granted administrative and economic autonomy to the National Commission on Status of women.

Gilani said that minorities and women were his core constituencies and during four and a half years of his stay in office, legislation was undertaken for their empowerment.

He said that he was proud that there was not even a single political prisoner during his government and political freedom and independence of media were ensured.

Gilani said that the government took ground-breaking steps to address grievances of Balochistan through Agaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan.

Besides Nafisa Shah, other members included Shaikh Mansoor, Rubina Qaimkhani, Dr Zile Huma, Shah Jahan Sarfraz Raja and ShaziaTehmas.