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| May 12, 2006 | Friday | Rabi-us-Sani 13, 1427 |
No secret deal with any party: Durrani
ISLAMABAD, May 11: Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani has claimed that the government is in continuous touch with the parliamentary opposition but it is not eager to enter into a secret deal with any party, including the People’s Party Parliamentarians.
Speaking at a press conference, the minister said: “We have full confidence in the verdict of people, still we will go by the constitution when it comes to the question whether the president should relinquish army chief’s post.”
In reply to a question, he said former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif had gone out of the country on different grounds and they could return to face any legal impediments of the step.
When asked about the government’s plan to face poverty, price hike and unemployment, Mr Durrani said prices of some essential goods were lower in Pakistan than those in India.
He welcomed the portion of the charter of democracy to be signed by leaders of the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) which accepted as valid three sections of the 17th amendment regarding lowering of voter’s age to 18 years, enhancement of women seats in parliament and increase in the number of seats in the assemblies.
He asked authors of the charter to accept the remaining portions of the amendment.
The minister raised questions about imposition of martial law by the PPP in three cities in 1977; establishment of Dalai camp in AJK; formation of Hyderabad tribunal; extra-judicial killings; killing of Dr Nazir, Khawaja Rafique and other political opponents; invasion of Pakka Qila in Hyderabad and condemning senior journalists to prison terms.
He said the Nawaz regime had set up military courts in Karachi.
He said both the parties launched protest campaigns against each other, leading to premature removal of elected houses. He said both the leaders signing the charter had filed corruption references against each other.
He said the PML-N regime was involved in attack on the Supreme Court, getting government officials handcuffed and forcing an army chief to broker a political deal between Mr Sharif and the then president. He questioned the introduction and passage of the 14th Amendment within a few minutes.
He said Ms Bhutto and Mr Sharif had declared each other security risk.
The minister said the charter being signed on May 14 was a deal between two individuals.
He asked the two leaders to enter into a national pledge not to plunder national wealth, transfer their money to foreign accounts or build palaces abroad.
I reply to a question about the president’s military post, Mr Durrani said: “We have taken no step in violation of the constitution.”
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