LAHORE: Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the parliament has failed to secure its rights only because of the opposition.

Speaking to media representatives on arrival at the Allama Iqbal International Airport here on Thursday, Gilani said democracy could not be promoted and strengthened by disqualifying elected members of the parliament.

He said Bangladesh model could not succeed in Pakistan as it had already failed there.

Replying to a question, Gilani said he had left the prime minister house so that he could better serve the masses by remianing among them and contest upcoming general elections without depending on the government.

Commenting on the Balochistan issue, Gilani welcomed meetings of Baloch leaders with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and invited them to participate in the elections.

On Sharif's demand for withdrawal of Frontier Constabulary (FC) from Balochistan, he said it was a provincial matter and should be resolved in consultation with the provincial government.

About enhancing relations with Russia, Gilani said for peace, stability and development of the region it was need of the hour to expand relations with neighbours including China, Russia and India.

He said recently he had returned from Turkey after attending its congress party convocation in which almost 1200 delegates including former presidents, prime ministers and leaders of         parties from various countries participated.

He said it was an honour for him that Turkish prime minister and president met him at their residences.