Govt maintained spirit of democracy throughout its tenure: PM

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said the government is cognizant of its constitutional and political obligations and the spirit of democracy has been maintained throughout the tenure of the Pakistan People’s Party government.
Addressing the meeting of Council of Common Interests in Islamabad on Wednesday‚ he said the government believed in the strengthening of institutions in their own spheres. He said with the collective wisdom of federal as well as provincial governments‚ democracy was gaining strength in the country. “The National and provincial assemblies will be completing their tenure successfully within a few weeks.”
Ashraf said the nation was approaching general elections‚ going to be held within a couple of months, adding that the government was committed to holding free‚ fair and transparent elections in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and laws on the subject. “This will enable the people of Pakistan to exercise their free will to elect a government of their choice for the next tenure.” Ashraf said the policy of reconciliation had been introduced by the PPP with an aim to bringing the country out of the current crises. “We do not believe in politics of victimisation and the proof of this reality is that there are no political prisoners in the country.” The prime minister said all political parties had always been taken on board on almost all national issues on internal as well as external fronts.
“We give respect to all democratic forces‚ the proof of which is amicable solution of the issue of long march.” Ashraf said the government condemned the loss of precious lives in Quetta on January 10. The decision to impose governor’s rule in Balochistan was also based on consensus and taken after consultation with all stakeholders. He said the council of common interest was a symbol of federalism and had strengthened the confidence of all the federating units, adding that the council, in its earlier meetings, discussed pivotal issues of national importance and took decisions with consensus through active participation of federating units.