PM Gilani rejects Nawaz's call for General polls
19 August, 2011
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday expressed concern over PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif's statement that elections be held in the country immediately and rejected his demand for snap polls.
"Elections will be held on time, when the present government's tenure is completed," the prime minister said while talking to journalists after his visit to a Utility Stores outlet in G-6 sector here on Thursday.
The prime minister said Nawaz was the only one demanding fresh elections and no other political party had supported his demand. "Ever since his return from abroad, Mian Nawaz Sharif has been talking of fresh elections," he said.
He expressed concern over Nawaz's statement that he (Nawaz) had warned that institutions should not send the government packing. "I don't understand which institution he was talking about since all institutions are working within their constitutional ambit. They are all following democratic norms and supporting democracy," Gilani added.
When questioned about the alarming law and order situation in Karachi, the prime minister said he was concerned about this and had exchanged views in this regard with MQM chief Altaf Hussain and gotten a briefing from the Sindh governor. "I have also talked to MQM parliamentary leader Dr Farooq Sattar to seek suggestions on how to bring peace in Karachi," he added.
The prime minister said he had directed Interior Minister Rehman Malik to go to Karachi immediately to review the law and order situation. He said those disturbing peace there would be brought to justice.
Asked whether the federal government was considering calling in the army to restore peace in Karachi, the prime minister said it was the prerogative of the provincial government to decide on this question.
During his visit to the Utility Store, the prime minister enquired about the prices and quality of goods being sold there. He was informed that pulses and many other items of daily use were available at the store at substantially reduced prices.
Meanwhile, taking strong note of the situation in Karachi, Prime Minister Gilani directed Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah to immediately hold a meeting of the provincial administration and take action against the criminals to bring them to justice.
He also directed the Sindh IGP to spare no effort in apprehending the killers. The premier gave instructions for an immediate and across-the-board action against the criminals, who were disrupting peace. "Show no leniency to these elements, who are there to ruin the city life," he said.
The premier spent a busy day on Thursday holding meetings on the Karachi issue. He also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan. The premier expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in Karachi violence. Separately, Interior Minister Rehman Malik called on Prime Minister Gilani at the Prime Minister's House to discuss the situation of Karachi, says a press release.
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