ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that it is time to promote real image of Islam that has been damaged by some extremist elements as the society needs peace and harmony. He was addressing the launching ceremony of English Poetry Book “High Assembly of Sages”, written by Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali here on Friday.

The Prime Minister said the poet in a very light language touched the problems being faced by common man and has highlighted the problems of the society. He said as the poet belongs to the land of Bula Shah has talked from his heart in the languages of sufis and has covered all issues of the people and the country through his poetry.

The Prime Minister said this book soothes us as it grapples with serious subjects and it is not the kind of poetry which is written by critics for other literary critics. His book of poetry also reflects of the wide range of his thoughts and imagination. It touches us more because it covers contemporary subjects.

He said the poem “High Assembly of Sages” which is also the name of the book inspires us with its belief in mankind’s destiny to fulfill its promise. While paying tributes to the Poet, the Prime Minister said he talks about the major scientific currents of modern times such as the Human Genome Project and the Big Bang, but he is not overwhelmed by them.

Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali in his remarks said the poetry is language of heart and he highlights the sentiments of the people through the poetry in a light way that attracts those who want to solve their problems. NNI

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday announced that his government has called in the armed forces to eliminate the militants. The Prime Minister in his televised address to the nation said that the army has been asked to take necessary and decisive action against the terrorists and militants.

“In order to restore honor and dignity of the country, the armed forces have been called in to eliminate militants and terrorists,” Mr Gilani said. “We will eliminate those who have tried to destroy the peace of the country,” he said. He asked the nation to stand behind the armed forces and the government to defeat those who have earned bad name for the country.

The Prime Minister said that the army has been called in for decisive action after due deliberations with all concerned. He said that the nefarious activities of terrorists and militants to destroy the image of the country have reached at the stage where the government constrained to believe that action is necessary against them.

He also announced one billion rupees for hundred of thousands displaced persons, who have fled violence-hit areas. He also launched appeal for international help to help the displaced people and to enhance the ability of Pakistan’s law enforcement institutions,

He said the government will not surrender but will force the militants to lay down arms. “We will not compromise. The nation must stand against those who imposed their will at gun point. They have held hostage the country”.

He said the government had launched reconciliation process in Swat and efforts were made to resolve the issue peacefully. “We adopted the path of dialogue with good intentions,” he said and added that Islamic justice system was introduced to maintain peace. “We had faced pressure. We were criticized for such policies but we took the decision for our national interests,” he said. NNI

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani held a meeting with Chief Minister Punjab and President PML (N), Mian Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif accompanied by the Leader of Opposition in National Assembly, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan here at the PM House on Tuesday. In the meeting it was agreed in principle to continue the previous arrangement of the coalition government between PPP and Pakistan Muslim League (N) in Punjab.

It was also decided to revive the earlier committee comprising members from PPP and PML (N) meant for better coordination between the two parties in Punjab. The meeting expressed unanimity of views that to address the internal and external challenges being faced by the country and in the greater national interest both major political parties of the country would continue to respect each other’s mandate, strengthen democratic institutions, institutionalize good governance and work together for the smooth and effective functioning of the parliamentary process.

They also reaffirmed their resolve to achieve the common objectives of making Pakistan peaceful and progressive nation by promoting policy of public welfare including poverty alleviation, checking inflationary spiral, overcoming energy shortage and addressing the other serious socio?economic problems afflicting the common man.

The meeting also discussed issues related to overall political and security situation in the country. Both sides agreed that Parliament being the supreme forum for making policies of national importance would be further strengthened.

It was also decided that the Federal Government and its agencies would work in close liaison with the provincial governments in order to counter the increasing trend of security related issues to ensure safety of life and property of the people.

The meeting also expressed concern at various statements from certain quarters challenging the writ of the government.

There was unanimity of views that the democratic process provided the best way forward for the country and both the parties would not only stand together to safeguard the democratic process but would also take onboard all the other political parties of the country to strengthen the system.

The Prime Minister apprised the Co?Chairman of PPP, Asif Ali Zardari, who is currently visiting the US about the coalition arrangement in Punjab, agreed in today’s meeting with the PML (N) leadership. The Co?Chairman said that it is the need of the hour that the two major political parties should jointly contribute towards political reconciliation and stability of the country.

The meeting was also attended by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Babar Awan, Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Provincial Punjab Minister for Finance, Tanveer Ashraf Kaira and Punjab Minister for Law, Rana Sanaullah. The meeting was followed by lunch. -APP

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Sunday intervened to lift the ban placed on Tehreek?e?Insaf leader Imran Khan to enter Sindh, in a bid to ensure greater political harmony at a time when the country was facing serious challenges. The authorities earlier on Sunday stopped the PTI Chief Imran Khan from boarding a aircraft for Karachi, citing the ban on entry placed by the Sindh government for a month. Prime Minister Gilani who was in the provincial metropolis directed the Chief Minister Sindh not to place any ban on Imran Khan’s entry into Karachi or any part of the province, a PM House source told APP.

The Prime Minister also talked on telephone with the provincial leadership of Pakistan People’s Party, MQM, ANP and Sunni Tehreek and urged them to exhibit a sense of harmony and political reconciliation as the country was passing through a critical juncture. He said the PPP believes in strengthening democratic norms in the country and that everyone has a right to their opinion and views.

Prime Minister Gilani however pointed that due to imposition of section 144, no procession should be taken out, owing to the law and order situation. He said it was vital that all political stakeholders realise their responsibility and do not adopt any measure that can risk the peace and tranquility of Karachi or any other part of the country.-APP

LAHORE: Prime Minster Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif have agreed to carry forward reconciliation process according to the Charter of Democracy (CoD). According to State- run TV on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan People Party (PPP) would remain in the Punjab government as part of reconciliatory policy.

Both leaders exchanged views on law and order situation in Punjab, terrorism and other issues in one-on-one meeting lasted for one and half-hour at the prime minister’s residence in Lahore.

Gilani told Shahbaz that all parties would be invited to the all parties’ conference so that a joint strategy could be framed to deal with issue of terrorism and other challenges facing the country.-SANA

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Saturday that Nazim?e?Adl regulations are in accordance with the constitution of the country and traditions of people of the area and the government would fully honour Swat agreement if peace was ensured. “However , if agreement is not honoured by the other side and peace remains elusive, we would revisit and review the deal”, said the Prime Minister while talking to reporters after distributing certificates among students completing various courses at Rangers Technical Institute here on Saturday.

He said the Swat deal, signed by the NWFP government, was endorsed by the parliament through a unanimous resolution and the federal government also approved it respecting the mandate of the provincial government.

The objective of the deal was to ensure peace and if it was not achieved “we would reconsider the deal.”

To a question about the country’s nuclear programme he said ,” Pakistan is a nuclear power and the strategic assets are national assets and in safe hands.

Those spreading rumours about the nuclear programme were enemies of the country and media should play its role by ignoring baseless conjectures, he said.

To another question, the Prime Minister said Pakistan wants good friendly relations with all neighbouring countries including India and Afghanistan.

He said terrorism is a curse which has no boundaries. “Some elements are using fair name of Islam for their abominable and inhuman acts of terrorism and thus bringing bad name to our great religion which preaches peace , brotherhood and amity.”

When asked about MQM leaders statements demanding removal of top cops of Sindh, the Prime Minister said,”I have already talked to MQM Chief Altaf Hussain and a committee comprising representatives of PPP, MQM and ANP has been constituted which would go to the grass root level to ensure peace.”

He said, “ I was given briefing by different law enforcement agencies about violence in Karachi. I also talked to political forces and assured MQM that an independent inquiry would be held into the tragic incidents.”

MULTAN: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday did not rule involvement of a “foreign hand” in the recent spate of violence in Karachi, the country’s business hub. In a brief chat with reporters at Multan, the Prime Minister was questioned whether he sees a foreign hand behind the incidents of arson, loot and violence in Karachi that has left over two dozen killed. “It can’t be ruled out,” Gilani said.

Responding About President Obama’s remarks about Pakistan, the prime minister said the civil government, its institutions, including the judiciary, media were all strong and working under the constitution. Regarding the operation in parts of NWFP, the prime minister said whenever the writ of the government is challenged, the provincial government can requisition the services of the armed forces for its support.

Earlier, Prime Minister, accompanied by Federal Minister for parliamentary affairs Babar Awan, arrived Multan airport by his special plane where he was received by his brother Syed Ahmad Mujtaba Gilani, the Incharge PM’s camp office in Multan, Commissioner Syed Muhammad Ali Gardezi, CPO Saud Aziz and other notables.

PM then moved to Nishtar Hospital to enquire about the condition of the three year old grand daughter of former federal minister Syed Tanweerul Hassan Gilani and daughter of UC nazim Syed Hamid Hassan Gilani. She was admitted to hospital after receiving injuries due to falling from stairs.

PM interviewed doctors to enquire about condition of the injured minor girl and asked them to ensure proper treatment for speedy recovery. PM also sought information regarding availability of facilities at the hospital and its development needs.The prime minister announced on the occasion to establish five operation theatres at the labour room complex of the hospital and the expansion of ICU facility.

PML?N senior vice president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Makhdoom Tanweerul Hassan Gilani, Sajjada Nasheen Darbar Musa Pak Shaheed Makhdoom Syed Wajahat Hussain Gilani, Incharge PM’s camp office in Multan Syed Ahmad Mujtaba Gilani, Commissioner Syed Muhammad Ali Gardezi, Chairman Board of management Nishter Hospital Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi and Principal Nishter Medical College and Hospital Prof. Dr. Laiq Siddiqui were also present.Later, the prime minister flew to Karachi by his special plane.-APP

President Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party government will ensure that the working class gets its due rights and are freed from all types of exploitation. In a message on May day, the President said the government will continue to get inspiration and guidance in ameliorating the workers by pursuing the principles laid down in the manifesto by the Shaheed leaders.

The President pointed that a disenchanted labour was one of the causes of low productivity and industrial unrest. All the political forces should join hands in national interest in improving the lot of the working classes and protecting them from exploitation. He assured that the government will not abandon the labour, the peasants, the fisher folk and the wage earners in their struggle for emancipation and freeing themselves from the shackles of exploitation.

The President said both Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed that the PPP derived its strength from the working classes of Pakistan and they always fought for their rights and well being.

The President said the government has taken several steps for the workers that include restoration in service of sacked workers through legislation, replacement of the anti labour legislation the IRO 2002 with a pro?labour law, restoration of trade union activities. He said the government also plans to build 80,000 housing units for the labour, enhancing the minimum wage to 6,000 rupees per month, increasing workers’ share in profit and increasing and universalizing marriage grants to all workers.

President Zardari said never before perhaps so much was done for the labour in such a short span of time as has been done by the present government. President Zardari said;

“These measures are a manifestation of conscious efforts by the present government to restore to the labour and the working classes their dignity and their rights. These will always be remembered, I also pay tributes to the Chicago martyrs for their struggle against oppressive socio-economic system a century ago,”

While Prime Minister is his message Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani urged workers and employers of the country to come forward and play their role in making Pakistan a truly progressive, moderate and an enlightened country in step with the modern world. In a message on the occasion of May Day, the Prime Minister said,

“We are celebrating May Day in a new economically challenging global environment this year with the ambition to reaffirm our commitment to uphold and enhance the dignity of labour. Celebration of this day is a tribute to the working class all over the world that reminds us of the historic struggle of the Chicago workers who laid their lives for achieving a just working environment and for securing their rights,”

Gilani said the role of labour in the economic development of the country cannot be but over emphasized.

“It has always been the labour community which contributed significantly towards maximizing production and productivity. We cannot compete in the international market without provision of a respectable status and dignity to our labour as per ILO standards,” he added.

The Prime Minister said, “We are taking various steps to review the existing labour laws in order to bring them in conformity with the international standards to keep pace with the global trends and ensure dignity of labour. The government is taking all possible measures to protect the welfare and rights of workers. The government has repealed the Industrial Relations Order (IR)?2002) and revived banned trade unions, he added.

The Prime Minister said formulation of a labour policy in the light of the former Prime Ministers, late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s vision is also under consideration and will soon be announced.

“Workers and employers are partners in the production process and their coordination and cooperation is paramount for industrial peace and harmony to ensure maximum utilization of their inputs for the socio?economic development of our country. May Allah Almighty be with us in our endeavours. Ameen.”

Acting President Farooq H. Naek said Pakistan is fully alive to the welfare of workers and accelerate steps aimed at creation of better working conditions at farms and factories. The Acting President said this in a message issued in connection with Labour Day.

“Pakistan joins the world community today in observing the May Day which reinvigorates the spirit of respect for the rights of workers and reaffirms our commitment to uphold these in letter and spirit,”

Naek said Islam places great emphasis on dignity of labour and enjoins its followers to give workers their rightful place in society.
“It is my belief that unless we have cadres of well?trained, satisfied and contended workforce, the country cannot take rapid strides on road to development,” he said. The Acting President said it is with this end in view that the Government is striving to improve the lot of workers all over the country. “It is indeed satisfying to note that various schemes are being implemented in this regard,” he said.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said the present Government is the people’s government and Pakistan People’s Party has always supported the cause of labour right from its inception. In his message on the International Labour Day falling on May 1,the minister felicitated the labour community saying that this historic day reminds us the valiant and heroic struggle of the Chicago workers who had laid their lives for the collective rights.He also said that

“we also honour the labour struggles of the past as well as those who in recent times have risked their lives and stood up to powerful forces unwilling to listen to the organized voice of work.”

The minister said that these sacrifices were so great and momentous that they have left an indelible mark on the history of mankind and these still continue to be a source of inspiration for the downtrodden and oppressed workers.

“This is the day to revisit the struggles of the working class and commemorate its achievements,this day is celebrated in commemoration of the martyrs of 1886 in Chicago which paved the way for social and economic achievements of the working class and labour movement. The minister said that the day provided an impetus to the struggle for rights of workers and thus ensured that the iniquitous system of their exploitation will no more exist.

input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday urged British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to let the arrested Pakistani students complete their studies in UK.

“I have asked Prime Minister Brown not to discontinue the studies of those students”

Prime Minister Gilani told a press stakeout along with the British Prime Minister after wide-ranging talks between the two sides that covered bilateral relations as well as cooperation in various areas including counter-terrorism. “Yes I had discussion with Prime Minister Brown and we discussed about the students. There are one million (Pakistani) people settled in UK and there are thousands of students including my two sons and a daughter.

“We have also discussed whatever information (about the students) has been shared with us and we will examine it”, Gilani said in response to question as to why the British authorities intend to deport the Pakistani students who were arrested and later released after they did not find any evidence against them.

Prime Minister Gilani said as “we are now at a new defining moment” joining hands in promoting regional peace and stability, particularly in overcoming the challenges posed by extremism and terrorism, was vital. The Prime Minister said he told his British counterpart of Pakistan’s strong commitment to eliminating militancy, terrorism and extremism by pursuing a comprehensive approach that comprised dialogue, development and deterrence.

“To achieve this objective all elements of state power will be utilized”, he said and added that he assured Prime Minister Brown of the steadfast will of nation and commitment of state institutions to combat this menace and to frustrate the evil designs of those who want to undermine Pakistan’s stability.

Prime Minister Gilani said that Pakistan will continue to make efforts to promote stability in Afghanistan, adding, “we have made considerable progress in our relations with brotherly Afghan people, with whom we have affinity of culture, trade and an indistinct sense of shared destiny”. He said Pakistan desires good neighborly relations with India and hopes that Indian leadership will positively respond to our suggestion to resume the process of dialogue and constructive engagement.

Prime Minister said the United Kingdom is a close friend of Pakistan.

“Our historic ties are reinforced by the presence of one million Pakistani expatriates there, who are making a significant contribution in British economy and playing an important role in furthering the relations between Pakistan and UK”.

The Prime Minister further said Pakistan has no doubt that the British government acknowledges the valuable contribution of Pakistanis settled in UK. “We look forward to working together closely for further strengthening our bilateral cooperation with UK for the mutual benefit of the people of two countries,” he added.

While Gordon Brown has called for a “stronger relationship” between the UK and Pakistan to fight the threat posed by extremism and terrorism. Speaking in Islamabad, he said a “strategic dialogue on all the issues” was needed. Mr Brown, standing beside Pakistani PM Yusuf Raza Gilani, pledged £10m to fight extremism in the country.

Mr Brown said: “Today we have agreed a new and stronger relationship between our two countries – vital and urgent work we will undertake together which sets out our shared priorities of tackling violent extremism.

“We will support each other more strongly on counter terrorism activities. We will engage in a strategic dialogue on all the issues surrounding this and we will consider task forces and work streams that will deliver that strategic dialogue for us. And we will support this close co-operation immediately by the UK delivering a £10m package of counter terrorism capacity giving assistance to Pakistan’s agencies.”

Input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday urged the National Assembly to form a national policy on the basis of the recommendations of parliamentary committee on national security. “It should be a national policy, a home made policy made in the light of these (committee) recommendations,” he said speaking in the National Assembly after minister for Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan wound up debate on the President’s address to the parliament.

He said the policy should be such which President Asif Ali Zardari could take to the US and tell them that it is the policy of the people of Pakistan and the parliament.“…we have certain limitations and have to see what is in our interest and what is not.”

Prime Minister Gilani said he will take the policy to the cabinet and will also take the chief ministers of all the four provinces and the Prime Minister of the AJK into confidence. “Since security is a provincial matter therefore we want that there must be national consensus and the consensus of the provinces and AJK government on the policy,” he added.

Referring to the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, he said it was brought in the National Assembly for its consent before signing by the President. “This was done to make this forum more effective.” He said the agreement, by the NWFP government, was made in the light of tribal traditions.

The Prime Minister made it clear that the government can review the agreement if it is not followed in its true spirit. “We can review the policy and revisit the agreement (if it is not followed). We are not bound and are not puppets. We will not accept the decisions which are not in the national interest.”

He said there are only a handful of miscreants who do not want political and economic stability in the country and made it clear that the government will act if its writ is challenged. He said the tribal people are peace loving and had rendered sacrifices for the defence of Pakistan and are always ready to defend the borders of the country.

The Prime Minister reiterated that country’s nuclear programme is in safe hands and its armed forces are highly professional and “best armed forces in the world” working under the civil government. The Prime Minister took the nation into confidence and said the defence of the country is in safe hands.

He said whenever the armed forces are called, they are ready to assist the federal and civil authorities. The armed forces, he added, with the backing of the masses are always ready to defend the motherland. “If any one cast an evil eye on Pakistan, it will be over our dead bodies.”

The Prime Minister said the country at present is in grip of various rumours and in view of the political situation, the National Assembly should continue its session. He said he talked to PML (N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif last night and he has also sent him a letter expressing the desire to hold a national conference on terrorism and extremism with the participation of all the stakeholders.

Prime Minister Gilani said PML (Q) leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also called him and said he wants a meeting with him. He said he will take all the political parties, including their ally MQM, into confidence and allay their apprehensions over various issues. -APP