Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday dismissed recent reports of a coup by the military, asserting that democracy in Pakistan was not in danger and fears of a clash between state institutions were baseless.
“All institutions in the country are in sync to support democracy; hence; there is no chance at all for the armed forces to step into the power.” “The army desires democracy and stability in the country,” he said. In an interaction with the media on the fringes of the ongoing annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, Gilani said, “I don’t think there will be a coup in Pakistan ever. There is no threat to democracy.” He said no state institution, military or the people of Pakistan, wanted a coup and all were in favour of democracy. Gilani said there was “a trust deficit” between Islamabad and Washington, as he criticised the resumption of US drone strikes in the country’s Tribal Areas. Speaking a day after over 100,000 people massed in Karachi to protest the strikes, Gilani said the strikes only served to bolster militants. “Drones are counter-productive. We have very ably isolated militants from the local tribes. When there are drone attacks that creates sympathy for them again,” Gilani told reporters at the Davos forum.
“It makes the job of the political leadership and the military very difficult. We have never allowed the drone attacks and we have always maintained that they are unacceptable, illegal and counterproductive.” Relations between the US and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply over the last year, with Islamabad furious about the surprise deadly raid on al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad last year. The two sides have also been at loggerheads over a US air strike in November in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed.
The US halted drone strikes on Pakistani soil in the immediate aftermath of that strike but they have since resumed.
Gilani said Pakistan now wanted to agree to new rules of engagement with the US.
“The unilateral action taken in Abbottabad, that was not liked in any quarter … We need assurances that such a unilateral action will not be repeated in the future. There is a trust deficit.” The prime minister said it was in both countries’ interests to cooperate as partners and Pakistan had paid a high price at the hands of militant groups. “We want to work together and we are fighting against militants and terrorists. We have paid a huge price for that.” On the subject of neighbours, Gilani said Pakistan wanted good relations with all negihbouring countries, including Afghanistan. He also mentioned the Kashmir issue in his talk and said dialogue was the only possible way to resolve all outstanding issues with India. The prime minister said democratic institution of the country should be respected.
Mr. Prime we know that there is no threat of coup. There never exited that threat. It is you who has been barking that conspracies are being hatched. it is you have been saying that there is state within state. You are extremely confused person and has been changing your mind. Please make up your mind if there is threat od coup or there is not. We dont take anytjing seriously what to say anymore. I think for the best thing to do is keep your shut and dont say thing at all.
If he can become prime minister and zardari can become president, I think I should aim to be an Emperor.
Is that a Swiss hair cut? I want one like that…
A new tie — like the design a lot…
Oh! The new suit! That shade of blue went really well on him…
we know that there there is no threat of a coup. It is you who have saying that conspracies are being hatched and there is state within state, there is threat to democracy etc. etc. . You are confused. Make up your mind. Is there a threat or there is no threat. Another advice, speak from one mouth. Speaking from more than one mouths create confusion.
With all the female staff sorrounding him (hina rabbani, nargis sethi, firdous aashiq, sherry rehman etc etc), I think he lets the little head do all the thinking for the big head and thats when he doesn't know whats coming out of his mouth.
Please add one more lady in the above mentioned list whick is new wife………….. A Doc. from MULTAN D/O a lady MNA from MULTAN on special seat………..MURSHAD NAPAK 2010 married a new young Lady Doctor……………………its rally TRUEeeeee…..
Don't be so sure Mr Prime Minister.
Just look into the past.
Zia stabbed his benefactor.
Musharraf who claimed to be a professional commando sent Mr N S packing home.
What makes you think Kayani would be different. His statements speak volumes.
Don't be so sure Mr PM. You should stick to the statements you make. You keep changing your statements which do not inspire confidence in the public who have voted you the seat you are occupying.
This no democarcy where you have a perpetual rule.
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