ISLAMABAD – Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will remain in power as long as it retains the majority in the National Assembly, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Wednesday.
“There is no threat to the PPP government and it will remain in power as long as it enjoys majority in the National Assembly”, Kaira said at a press briefing here. “Changing the prime minister is only Fazl Rehman’s wish and Yusuf Raza Gilani is the prime minister of the whole country”, Kaira said in response to a question.
“These are critical times and we do not want dissention in the coalition. We want opposition onboard in all matters”, Kaira said adding that JUI-F and MQM would be soon part of the government their grievances will be addressed. When asked about the investigations of Benazir Bhutto’s murder case, Kaira said that the investigations were nearing conclusion and if anyone is found guilty, he will be held irrespective of his political influence.
“I assure you, no one, irrespective of their political influence, will be spared if found guilty of killing Benazir Bhutto,” Kaira said adding that law brings culprits to court. When asked if the issue of Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST) had been shelved, the minister said RGST was need of the country and PPP had proposed it in national interest.
Speaking on the Tahfuz-Namoos-Rasalt issue, the minister said that everyone, including minorities, believed in respecting prophets and this was a non-issue, adding that Aasia Bibi had been convicted by a session court and she had the right to appeal in a higher court. “She has not been denied justice and can submit her appeal against the conviction. The president is the last option in this issue.”
Earlier, briefing the media about cabinet meeting, Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani had directed for restructuring the Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and PEPCO. He said that a committee would submit its report for approval in the next meeting. He said the PM had also directed for re-structuring PIA, NHA, TCP and Utility Stores Corporation and PASSCO in second phase, the report for which will be submitted in January.
