June 20, 2003	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 19, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, June 19: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said here on Thursday the ruling party would defend the National Assembly Speaker in case a motion of vote of no-confidence was moved against him, but hoped that the opposition parties would not go to that extent.

Talking to reporters after inaugurating the Air University at the PAF Complex, the prime minister said the federal government had no plans to wind up the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) government in the NWFP.

Asked if it was correct that the government was working to topple the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal government in the NWFP, he said there was no such move.

In response to another question, Mr Jamali said congenial atmosphere for peace with India could not be vitiated by press statements by certain leaders.

He said making a statement was everyone’s right, but he was confident that the peace process would move forward. He was responding to a question about Indian prime minister’s remarks that Pakistan would be defeated fourth time in case of another war.

The prime minister refused to comment on a statement of an Israeli government official that it had no enmity with Pakistan. He said he would speak about it only after confirming it.

Earlier, Mr Jamali announced a donation of Rs20 million for the Air University, which has been established by the Pakistan Air Force with “non-public funds”.

He said his government would continue supporting the Air University till the time it was able to stand on its own feet.

He further said that his government was committed to go even beyond its means to provide primary education to every child born in Pakistan, and higher education to those who had the talent and the will to pursue it.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with MMA MNAs Maulana Mohammad Khan Sherani and Mohammad Dummar, Mr Jamali said the Pakistan Muslim League-Q and its allies believed in promoting democratic values and traditions, and added that they would always uphold these under all circumstances.

The prime minister said tolerance of dissent was the essence of democracy and this right should be protected at all costs. The lawmakers discussed general political matters with him.