PATTOKI: The prime minister said on Saturday that the National Reconciliation Ordinance was a relic of the past and stood buried forever.

He also brushed aside as irrelevant Article 58(2)b of the Constitution, which empowers the president to dissolve the National Assembly, because the country had a strong judiciary today.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani told reporters after inaugurating a power plant at Jhambar Kalan, near Pattoki, that the ruling coalition had fended off all threats to its survival.

‘There is no love-hate relation with any party in the ruling alliance. We have love-love relations with the PML-N and misunderstandings with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement have been resolved.

‘Rest assured the alliance is intact,’ said a smiling Gilani, gesturing towards Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

‘Our political system is stable. Democracy has again ushered in, but it requires time to gain roots. We are focussing on making institutions strong, but it again requires time,’ Mr Gilani said when asked if the political system was facing any threat.

About the South Waziristan operation, he expressed the hope that it would be completed before schedule. ‘It is a very effective operation and I salute the soldiers for sacrificing their lives for the country.’

The prime minister said Pakistan wanted peaceful relations with all neighbouring countries, especially India, on the basis of equality.

‘We want to resolve all core issues with India through dialogue. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also expressed the same sentiments.

‘The process of composite dialogue should continue,’ he said.

In reply to a question about Aitzaz Ahsan, Mr Gilani said a senior and sincere PPP worker like him would not quit the party under any circumstances.

In a speech at the inauguration ceremony of the 200MW power plant, the prime minister said it would not only boost electricity output, but would also be a catalyst for economic progress in Kasur district.

Mr Gilani said many more power plants were needed as the electricity crisis had frustrated the nation, hobbled industry and retarded economic growth.