MULTAN, May 4: Matters relating to the presidency will be handled constitutionally and the issue of forging a working relationship with the president will be decided by parliament, according to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Talking to journalists at the press club here on Sunday, the prime minister said that the Pakistan People’s Party was not against the local government system but there were flaws in it which undermined the provincial autonomy.

He said his party wanted local bodies elections held on party basis and the districts led by district governors.

He said that the process to amend the Pemra ordinance had begun to ensure freedom of the media which was one of the most important pillars of the state and had played an important role in the restoration of democracy and independence of judiciary.

“Parliament will not be a mere rubber stamp and all (state) institutions will be protected, while freedom of judiciary and media will be ensured,” Mr Gilani said.

He said his government would ensure respect for journalists and security for their jobs, adding that steps would be taken to improve their wages and implement the wage board award.

Reiterating that terrorism affected the country’s progress, the prime minister said that his government would never negotiate with terrorists or extremists. Negotiations would be held only with those who surrendered their arms. He said he did not have any information about negotiations with Baitullah Mehsud and would ask the NWFP governor about it.