Haqqani not to be condemned unheard: Gilani

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday said US Ambassador Hussain Haqqani had been summoned to explain his position in the memo issue and he would not be condemned without him clarifying his position.
“The memo issue would be taken to its logical conclusion by ensuring the national interest and Pakistani envoy to the US Hussain Haqqani has been summoned to explain his position. It will be unjust and against the norms of justice to jump to conclusion without listening to the point of view of the ambassador,” he told reporters at the walima reception of the son of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar Gilani said there was no problem for the coalition government as it had working relationship with other national institutions. Any step contrary to the law and constitution would not be acceptable and added that the opposition had certain legal options to remove the government, he siad.
“Certain people, yearning for change in government through unconstitutional means, would miserably fail, as the present government was strong and stable enough to counter such moves.” He said there was total understanding and harmony between the state institutions that was not witnessed in the past during any civilian government’s tenure. Gilani said the entire nation was united against anti-state elements and was aware to protect their national interest. The PM added that the present government faced a lot of difficulties one after other, after coming into power, but took up the challenges with patience and courage. He said all major issues would be resolved while keeping in view national interest. To a question on Imran Khan, he said it was premature to comment and once Imran Khan’s PTI formed government, “it will be become clear who was supporting whom”.
About peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, the prime minister said it was the main focus of the government, as the menace of terrorism and extremism needed to be rooted out. To a question, he said, “We are a responsible government” and rejected the impression that there was any difference between the political and military leadership. “The government addressed many issues and challenges by taking parliament and mainstream national leadership into confidence. The government accepted the demands of the opposition on issues involving national interest and called joint sessions of parliament and formed judicial commissions on their request,” he said. Gilani said the military leadership explained ceratin defence-related issues to parliament for the first time and praised the army’s positive role in the nation building process.