PPP to continue politics of reconciliation

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Sunday said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) believed in politics of reconciliation and not confrontation, adding anarchy would benefit no one. Talking to reporters after visiting the mausoleums of Quaid, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, Ashraf vowed to hold elections in a free, fair and transparent manner so that no one could raise a finger at the government. Ashraf said the PPP leadership was well aware of the hardships faced by countrymen due to the energy crisis and solid steps were being taken to bring betterment in the power supply situation. He said anti-democracy elements thought democracy would derail after Yousaf Raza Gilani was disqualified, but another PPP activist replaced him which disappointed the opponents. The prime minister was of the view that democracy could not be wrecked and it would continue as his party would continue struggle for the purpose with same commitment and sincerity. He said he belonged to the middle class and his appointment as prime minister had proved that the PPP was a party of poor and it worked for their welfare. Ashraf said the PPP was desirous of strengthening national institutions, including judiciary, as it was in the larger interest of the country and its people. He said the country would progress if everyone followed the principles of unity, faith and discipline. He said the PPP and allied parties were committed to promoting politics of reconciliation in line with the vision of Benazir Bhutto. Asked about law and order in Karachi, the prime minister said the city was the jugular vein of Pakistani economy and his priority was to restore peace to the city along with dealing with the energy crisis. He said he had spoken to the governor and chief minister and they were committed to controlling crimes and taking action against those indulging in crimes. About the restoration of NATO supplies, he said the government wanted to have good relations with all countries, including the US, on an equal basis and dignity. He said decision about the restoration of supplies would be taken in line with the recommendations of parliament. While addressing a meeting of PPP leaders in Karachi, the prime minister said that their destination was not achieving power but to implement the philosophy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “People are well aware of every conspiracy being hatched against the Pakistan People’s Party,” Ashraf said, adding that his government would be paying special attention to the energy crisis and the law and order situation. The new prime minister said he would decide on writing the letter to Swiss government in the light of the constitution. He said he did not want any clash between different institutions and the matter of writing letter to the Swiss government would be decided according to the law of the land. Raja Pervaiz also met Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad and discussed with him the matters related to Sindh province.