ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said there was no clash between the government and apex court, adding that the government will stand its ground.

“October 13 will come and go. Nothing bad will happen on this day and there will be no long march,” he said.

He also announced that 10 ministries would be reduced from the federal cabinet in the coming few months.

Speaking to media representatives, he said his government would give preference to merit on all levels.

He said there was no clash between the government and judiciary and that the judiciary wanted a democratic system to flourish in the country.

Prime Minister Gilani said President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed Justice (Rtd) Deedar Hussain Shah as NAB chairman according to the constitution.