Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday reiterated that peace in Karachi, the economic hub of the country, was the number one priority of the federal government. “It is in the best interest of the country that peace and stability is maintained in Karachi,” he said, adding, “I appeal to the entire political leadership of the country and our coalition partners to give priority to Karachi. This should be across the board.”
Talking to reporters at the launch of the sale of plots at the Pakistan Textile City in Port Qasim, the prime minister said he had a detailed discussion with MQM leader Altaf Hussain, adding,. “I appreciated his support for the PPP’s initiative of ‘Aman Rally’. I also appreciated his (Altaf Hussain) gesture and his advice to party workers for taking part in the rally”. He said, “We need to follow this spirit to maintain peace in Karachi as it is vital for Pakistan.”
To a question on law and order in the city, he said it was the primary responsibility of the provincial government and that the governor and the chief minister of Sindh were there to take steps in this regard. He said the federal government was also there to give information and input of intelligence agencies to support the provincial government.
“We are even ready to help the province in building its capacity to fight terrorism. The federal government will endorse whatever decision they take in this regard,” he added. To a question about the Sindh government’s concerns over the 7th NFC Award, Gilani said the government would honestly implement the award in its true letter and spirit. “I had also called a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) which took several decisions and we will implement those decisions in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan”, he added.
Gilani said the nation was passing through an evolution process. “There is media activism. Parliament and the judiciary are also active and civil society is also vibrant,” he said. He said other institutions were also being evolved during this process, adding that there was a trichotomy of power in-built in the constitution. “We will not allow derailing of this system at any cost,” he said. To a question on the holding of an All-Parties Conference on the Karachi issue, the prime minister said it was up to the chief minister of Sindh.
