Pakistan: PPP to adopt strategy after detailed SC verdict

Federal Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar has said the PPP will adopt a strategy after a detailed decision of the Supreme Court. Talking to the media on Sunday, he said the PML-N had old relations with the judiciary, adding that everybody had relations but they should not be misused. He said that nothing could be said until the detailed decision of Supreme Court. "We will file an appeal after the Supreme Court announces its detailed decision," he added. He said the party stood by Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, adding that after the detailed verdict of the Supreme Court and on his return from abroad, the prime minister would decide about his future plan according to his will. He said it would a difficult decision to pull out of Siachen. "It is an ego issue. If we pull out, families of the martyrs will raise questions," he added. "Elections will be held within six to eight months and would show the worth of every party. If we do not give right of way to Nato, we can face international restrictions," he added. He said Chaudhry Nisar should address the issue of the Election Commission. When asked about Pak-US defence deals, he said Pakistan had asked the US for joint and coordinated drone attacks but Washington refused. He said the future of Babar Awan was like an ordinary lawyer, adding that he had taken some things for granted. To a question, he said the defence budget would not be reduced and "we will try to balance it." Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integration Samina Khalid Ghurki, Adviser to PM Aslam Gill and Shaukat Basra were also present.