MULTAN, Oct 26 (APP):Chairman Senate, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, on Monday expressed hope that Pakistan would succeed in its ongoing efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran.
Talking to media after offering condolence on the demise of former federal minister Malik Mukhtar Awan, he said Pakistan was playing a reconciliatory role at this critical time and prayed that these efforts would bear fruit.
Gilani said Pakistan had proved itself a responsible nuclear state by showing restraint during its conflict with India. “Pakistan showed restraint, defended itself when necessary and conveyed to the world that it was in strong hands,” he added.
Recalling the late Mukhtar Awan, Gilani said he was a longstanding associate of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), who served as provincial and federal minister and devoted his entire life to the party. His son and grandson, he added, were also associated with the PPP.
Referring to economic challenges, Gilani said movements against inflation were also underway in Europe as well.
Responding to a question about a separate South Punjab province, he said the PPP had built consensus on the issue as far as possible and passed resolutions in its support. The party had also got a bill passed in the Senate, he added, noting that the region was underdeveloped. He said the PPP always stood by any initiative aimed at providing relief to the people.
On the imposition of governor’s rule in KP, Gilani said it was nobody’s wish and had been the last option, adopted after talks failed. He said repeated calls for a march on Islamabad had created uncertainty in the country.
He maintained that the constitutional procedure had been fully followed, involving the President’s opinion and the views of both houses of Parliament. During the joint session, members of the Senate and National Assembly were given the opportunity to express their views, and the majority decision was accepted, he said.
Regarding security matters, Gilani said a recent Apex Committee meeting, attended by the military and political leadership had discussed measures to curb terrorism, improve law and order, and promote public welfare, peace and development.
He said that during his tenure as prime minister, a special fund had been given to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the NFC Award, which was still being provided. He added that an additional Rs800 billion had been approved for the province under the NFC Award, but the funds had not been utilised.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
