Interpretations of ‘Sharif Courts’ not acceptable

Daily Times

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday said the Sharif brothers were making interpretations of the constitution on their own and “I will not accept their interpretation”. “We do not believe in two interpretations, one of the courts and the other of the Sharif Courts,” he added. Addressing a press conference at the inauguration ceremony of Consular Hall at the Pakistani High Commission, he said, “If all institutions work within the constitution then there will be no conflict.” He said he has been working within the parameters of the constitution. There was no case of corruption against him and he is performing his role to protect the constitution, he added. The PM said nobody in the world was giving acceptability to the views of the opposition. He said he held useful meetings with the British PM, ministers, business leaders and members of the Pakistani community. “I came to Britain on the invitation of British Prime Minister David Cameron.” To a question about Pak-US relations, he said the two countries were holding discussions on ways to take forward their relationship. He said Pakistan wanted to have relations with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. The prime minister said the Parliamentary Committee on National Security had presented unanimous recommendations to parliament, which led to a resolution. “Now the talks between Pakistan and US are continuing for reopening of NATO supply routes and final decision will be taken in line with the decision of the parliamentary committee,” he added. Decision on NATO supply would be taken in the interest of the nation, he assured. He said Pakistan had unique ties with Britain and praised the statement of the British premier that enemies of Pakistan were enemies of his country. To a question about Zawahiri’s presence in Pakistan, Gilani said Pakistan had excellent cooperation with the US in terms of intelligence sharing. “If they have actionable and credible information, they must share it with us. ISI and CIA can act together,” he added. He said Pakistani courts were independent and if there is any concrete evidence against Hafiz Saeed, then it should be presented in the courts. Responding to the statement of the NATO secretary-general that Pakistan had not been invited to Chicago summit, he said he had asked Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and his government has not yet received any such formal decision from NATO. He said in the past, dictators staged coups by raising hue and cry on the issue of corruption. Gilani said, “The continuity of democracy will end corruption in Pakistan.” He said if two democratic governments completed their tenure, then future of democracy would be secure in Pakistan. The future of some opposition leaders is bleak but future of Pakistan is bright, he added. Separately, speaking at a businessmen reception, he urged the British investors to focus on Pakistan and not to be overly concerned about the “exaggerated perception” about security situation in Pakistan. Gilani said he was cognizant of the concerns about security situation in the region and said the perception was contrary to the situation on ground.