A military operation is not the solution to the violence in Karachi and it is the provincial government’s prerogative to opt for such an action, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference at the Governor’s House, the prime minister said, “Calling the military in Karachi is a provincial subject and the federal government will respect the decision of the Sindh Assembly.” To a query, Gilani said he had no objection to an in-camera session of parliament called to discuss the Karachi situation.
He said he had complete confidence in police and the Rangers, as both forces were patriotic and sincere. “The Rangers have been criticised but I have complete confidence in them,” the prime minister said. Gilani said Rangers and other law enforcement agencies had been given a free hand to ensure peace in the city, adding that the Centre had provided all information to the provincial government to help it control the situation.
About the possibility of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) joining the government, the prime minister said the MQM had stood by the government on all issues. “The MQM is our coalition partner.” Regarding targeted killings and ethnic riots in Karachi, Gilani said all matters would be resolved through consensus and rejected the idea that particular groups were involved in the law and order in the city.
To a question of the party’s involvement in Karachi violence, Gilani said it was inappropriate to talk such of the MQM. He said the PPP-led government wanted that all political forces of the country should work together. “We want to take all political parties in confidence before taking any decision on Karachi,” the prime minister said.
To a question on early elections, the Gilani said, “We respect the opinion of PML-N President Nawaz Sharif but we should keep in mind that there are other political parties in parliament as well.” He said there was no question of mid-term polls as the government had already completed more than half of its term. Asked about the name of Justice (r) Javed Iqbal as chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the prime minister said the NAB chairman was appointed with the consultation of leader of the House and leader of the opposition and still he is not being consulted for the said appointment.
He said the government respects the decision of judiciary. In reference to the judiciary, he said the government accorded full respect to the country’s courts and accepted all its decisions in the letter and spirit. Gilani stressed the implementation of the constitution for strengthening democracy and supremacy of law in the country.
Military operation no solution to Karachi, says PM
