ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Wednesday said that in the past the President House was used for conspiring against democratic governments, but the incumbent president has strengthened democracy by empowering the parliament and giving up his discretionary powers voluntarily.

Replying to reporters’ questions during briefing on the cabinet meeting, he said that in the past conspirators were sitting in the presidency, who conspired to strengthen themselves at the cost of the democratic set up.

He said that he could not understand whether the country needed “a democratic president or a conspirator president.”

To a question, he said that present democratic government was committed to promote the politics of reconciliation and would continue its efforts to avoid policies of confrontation. He said that if Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif had said something positive about President Asif Ali Zardari, then it should be appreciated.

Commenting on Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan's statement, he said, “we are a political force and will have to coexist and can not always point guns at each other.”

To a question about D-8 conference, the minister said that the prime minister was on board on the whole matter but historically the presidency hosts the summit.

He said that Pakistan's role on war against terror and its role for promotion of peace in the world was appreciated during the summit, adding that this development should be appreciated instead of finding negativity in all issues.

Kaira said that national heroes should be honoured and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a hero not only for the PPP but even opponents of the party have acknowledged his sacrifice for the cause of democracy.

He said that dates of D-8 like summits are finalised in advance and with consultation with other countries therefore blaming the government for holding it in the month of Muharram was unjustified.

“We all are Muslims and respect the holy month of Muharram, but we mourn and work during the month,” he added.