Reconciliation with PML-N will continue: PM

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani asks Governor Punjab to improve ties with Nawaz League.

LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will continue its policy of reconciliation with all political groupings, including the Nawaz League.

Addressing the parliamentary party meeting of the Punjab chapter of the PPP at the Governor’s House here on Saturday, he directed provincial Governor Salman Taseer to improve relations with the Nawaz League despite verbal duels.

The PPP government would take all political parties and stakeholders along for the continuation of the present democratic system in the country, he added. The PPP would also take along other institutions since it is a symbol of the federation.

Gilani said the PPP has ended the politics of victimisation forever, which is why there are no political prisoners during its tenure. “We have adopted a democratic culture that promotes reconciliation and harmony,” he added.  “The PPP will not deviate from the government’s reconciliatory policy with the PML-N, despite political challenges. We are honouring our commitment to the charter of democracy and will continue to do so in future,” he said.

The premier said many people have wished for clashes between the judiciary and the executive, but they were defeated.  “Such attempts have not been successful before and will not be successful this time either,” he said.

“People have given us a five-year mandate. We will complete this mandate. Despite many challenges and difficulties, the government has achieved many successes in its two-and-a-half years,” Gilani said, adding that through the power of ballot, the PPP will come into power for another five years.

Sources say that PPP lawmakers complained against the Nawaz League, saying that it did not take them into confidence on provincial matters.

The premier also urged the PPP lawmakers to prepare for the local government elections, saying that it is an opportunity to reach out to the masses.  Among other issues, distribution of Watan cards and the electricity shortfall were discussed.

Paying tribute to slain PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, Gilani said she made the transition to democracy possible by forcing General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf to announce general elections in 2008 and doff his uniform.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2010.