I will sacrifice govt for democracy: Gilani

Gilani says he is ready to sacrifice his govt on the altar of democracy provided the system stays intact.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said he was ready to sacrifice his government on the altar of democracy provided the system stayed intact.

“If I had faith that the change in the country would come about through democratic and constitutional route and democracy will stay even after our departure, I will not only willingly quit the government but will also offer prayers of gratitude,” he said while talking to senior journalists.

He said he was not interested in government. If the continuity of democratic system is ensured, “I will be only too glad to sit in the opposition benches”. He said the county can ill-afford the removal of government through undemocratic means.

He said with Maulana Fazl’s visit to the US, Pakistan’s principled stand on Kashmir will be highlighted. He command’s parliament’s complete trust and is going to America with full mandate.

Meanwhile with speculations of a change of regime in the country gaining momentum, and the Supreme Court’s fresh pressure on the government, President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called a series of meetings of his top political associates. A select circle of his confidants in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), known as the ‘core committee’, is scheduled to meet the president today (Wednesday).

A one-line statement issued by a spokesperson for Zardari said the core committee of the PPP would be meeting here to discuss the current political situation of the country. Though the statement did not give any specific details, the reports of a possible political upheaval is likely to be at the top of discussions.

Federal ministers, Babar Awan, Naveed Qamar, Rehman Malik, Khursheed Shah and Nazar Mohammad, are among the members of the committee.

On Thursday, Zardari is also scheduled to preside over the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), a broader circle of the PPP’s leadership which takes policy decisions.

Observers attach importance to these meetings in the backdrop of what they see as ‘rapidly changing’ political scenario.

Meanwhile US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson also called on the president. A short statement issued after the meeting claimed that the rehabilitation of flood victims was discussed. Meanwhile, the federal cabinet will also meet on Wednesday. (With additional reporting by IRfan ghauri)

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2010.