Govt, judges want resolution of NRO issue per law: Ashraf

Prime Minister Raja Ashraf on Friday said he and the apex judges wanted to resolve the NRO implementation case in accordance with the constitution.
In an interview with Pakistan Television, the prime minister said to a question on his appearance in the Supreme Court on September 18 that he had a desire to resolve the issue amicably. “The solution will be according to the will of God, and I believe that there will be improvement after September 18 as we are heading towards a transitional phase of election that needs a good atmosphere.” “I am in the office for the last two months, and it is my earnest desire, and it is the desire of all the coalition partners and now I know that even the judges want to find a solution to this problem according to the law and upholding the respect of the courts,” he added.
The prime minister reiterated his commitment to hold fair, free, transparent and impartial elections to further strengthen the democratic process in the country. “Democracy has the power and it is the basic right of the people to vote according to their conscience in a fair, free and impartial atmosphere.” Ashraf said the government would ensure that the masses would be given the right to elect their representatives through fair, free and impartial elections that would improve the situation in the country. He said there were reservations by the people even on the election held in 2008 during the tenure of Musharraf, but the people accepted that elections.
He said the people had the power that would be reflected through fair, free and impartial elections. Referring to some previous elections held in Pakistan, he said there were many reservations on these elections, but assured that the democratically elected government of Pakistan People’s Party would hold free polls.
Regarding the formation of the caretaker set up, the prime minister clarified that leader of the house and leader of opposition should reach consensus on the caretaker prime minister. “As we are heading towards election, it is necessary that parliament completes its constitutional term,” the PM said. “If some one wants election two months earlier, it can be discussed,” he said. To a question on minorities, Ashraf said, “We do not call them minorities as they enjoy equal rights as Pakistanis.”
He said people from all religions living in Pakistan were Pakistanis and it was ensured in constitution and religion that they should be given equal rights and opportunities. “I want to assure you that the government will provide them full protection and give them due rights as they are real Pakistanis and they have proved it,” the prime minister said. Commenting on the killing of people in Balochistan, he said the violence was targeted and agreed that there could be foreign elements involved in such incidents.