PM snubs talks of govt-change

Upper House unanimously adopts 19th amendment

Says rumours only impeding country’s development

Special Correspondent/ Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday has said rumors don’t lead the government to exit door but they cause only problems and are impediment on the way to development. PM Gilani said this while addressing Senate session after the passage of 19th amendment.

Gilani held 19th amendment was a new-year gift for the people and approval of this amendment had proved the august house was not a rubber stamp.
“I had already said that only the House would approve whenever any constitutional amendment would come. Nishan-e-Pakistan would be conferred on the members of constitutional reform committee in January, he announced. “We have always pursued politics of reconciliation and we will promote it too”, he added.
This is outcome of joint efforts by the government, opposition, judiciary and all other stakeholders that we have got 19th amendment approved with consensus. “We have found the key to avert any clash between the institutions through passage of this amendment, he underlined.
“We will have to represent the aspirations of people and will have to shun the politics of ego. This is prerogative of Parliament whomsoever it gives majority and he stays in the power. If we don’t get majority we will sit on opposition benches and extend help. We have eliminated the politics of vendetta and there is no political prisoner in our regime. We have to serve the people no matter we are in opposition or in government, he remarked.
“I am saying from the forum of this House that our institutions and parliament are stronger. We will not make any issue a question of our prestige and will extend full cooperation on the matters of national interest. Those who spread rumors about our government should give one deadline when our government would fall” he underlined.
“I want to make it clear that 19th amendment will be implemented, he noted.
About Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan, PM Gilani said he would talk to interior minister on this count. “We want to bring Ehtesab Bill and we will take along all political leadership including Mian Nawaz Sharif with the spirit of reconciliation as it is our endeavor that national interests be given top priority”, he maintained.
To a question about reduction in the strength of ministers he said the reservations of all the members of Fata would be removed and when cabinet would be reconstituted the allied parties would be given proper representation.
He maintained “we would have to take along the politics of reconciliation as future governments would be coalition governments.
Earlier, Upper House of the Parliament unanimously approved the 19th amendment bill despite hot political temperature all over the country.
67th Senate session was held here in parliament house under the chairmanship of Chairman Senate Dr Farooq H Naik holding the top agenda of 19th amendment’s approval.
As the Senate session proceed leader of the House Senator Nayyar Hussain Bukhari requested to postpone the question hour session, which was accepted by chairman of the house.
Shortly, the chairman of constitutional amendment committee Senator Raza Rabbani tabled the 19th amendment bill before the House.
Before its approval, House participated in the debate where Senator Wasim Sajjad while commenting on this bill said transfer of powers from president to prime minister is a significant achievement.
He wished as political leadership is united on political issues will also unite for the outcome of public issues. ANP’s senator Haji Adeel added that aspirations of apex court are fulfilled so as to ensure maximum presentation of judges in judicial commission.
While participating in debate, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat criticised the current political climate and said parties are involved in blame game and shameful statements are being exchanged.
Senator Mohammad Ali Durrani demanded for 20th amendment and said that new provinces and districts are established all over the world, we must also adopt this practice as time necessitates. He also demanded for the abolishment of LFOs and other black laws made by previous regimes.
Senator S M Zafar suggested that education and health portfolios must perform under the supervision of central government and we should start working on 20th amendment in this regard.
Senator Afrasyab Khattak was of the view that ministers being affected by the devolution of portfolios to provinces are erecting hurdles in the way of 18th amendment, government must take notice. Upon completion of debate Chairman Senate Farooq Naik moved ahead towards the clause wise approval of 19th amendment. Later the 19th amendment was unanimously approved by the upper house whereas 80 members attending the said session voted for this. After its approval, Chairman Senate Farooq H Naik adjourned the session sine die.