Reiterating his commitment with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday categorically said he would quit politics before parting ways with the party.
“I am committed with the party. I am with the party and I would rather quit politics than to stab the party,” Gilani said in response to query put up by a panel of a private television channel, which he was visiting as part of its third anniversary celebrations.
Commenting on the memo scandal, the prime minister said it was not a worthy issue, as Mansoor Ijaz had no credibility.
To another question, Gilani said when the leader of the opposition raised the question of memo in parliament, he replied that he would summon ambassador Husain Haqqani to Pakistan, but would not condemn him unheard as per the norms of justice.
To another question, Gilani said the joint session of parliament would be summoned after the Parliamentary Committee on National Security presents its recommendations.
Asked about submitting reply on the petition filed by Nawaz Sharif in the Supreme Court on the memo issue, the prime minister said, “The reply will be submitted in time.”
Gilani said he did not know who would be the prime minister, but “the parliament will, God willing, complete its tenure”.
Asked about Nawaz’s statement regarding delay in the arrest of Benazir Bhutto’s murderers, he said the matter was sub-judice. He said the criticism of parliament was unjustified, as collective wisdom [coalition partners] could not be wrong and no other party could make miracles.
Asked about the high prices of essential commodities, the prime minister the phenomenon was a result of global recession.
Commenting on the NRO review case and the issue of sending a letter to Swiss Court, the prime minister said he was mentally prepared for all challenges and would “cross the bridge” when he got there.
On the issue of NATO/ISAF attacks on Pakistani posts, the prime minister said internal inquiry was being conducted and it would take up all the aspects, adding that “let the final enquiry report come”, the government would then take a final decision.
To a question on negotiations with the Taliban, the prime minister said, “We are already adopting 3D (Dialogue, Deterrence and Development) policy and dialogue process… it is a continuous process.” Regarding the Pak-US relations, Gilani said, “True friendship starts after quarrel.” “We want to maintain excellent relationship with the US based on mutual respect,” he said.