PPP & Army in sync for first time: Gilani

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PPP & Army in sync for first time: Gilani
Published: December 25, 2009

ISLAMABAD (APP) – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday rejecting any differences between the government and the army said it was a disciplined force, working within the constitutional ambit and has to tow the official policies.
“The army stands by the government, and there is no doubt about it,” the Prime Minister said in an interview with a local news channel.
“It is for the first time that the Pakistan Peoples Party has better ties with the army,” the Prime Minister said when asked about the army’s reservations on the Kerry Lugar bill, its role in restoration of judiciary and decision not to send the ISI chief to India, following the Mumbai attacks.
He said earlier the party used to have an anti-establishment stance, but this time, especially Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kiyani supported the democratic government.
He said the government would complete its five-year term as it was its mandate. He said the nation was aware of all the challenges and he would be answerable to them when he completes his term.
When asked about army’s stance on the Kerry Lugar Bill, the Prime Minister said, “We are together.” Gilani also expressed complete confidence over the working of the Inter Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) and said, “We do not want to politicize them.” He said the army played a “pro-democracy role” that’s why President Asif Ali Zardari was sworn in as the President of the country.
Asked whether the army played a major role in restoration of judiciary, the prime minister said, “I and the President took a decision two days earlier to restore the Chief Justice through an executive order.”
“We decided and then we informed General Kiyani about it,” the prime minister said. He denied any knowledge of any telephone call by the army chief to Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan.
He said Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was restored on the same day when Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar had to retire.
The prime minister also denied the impression that army was playing any role in the politics.
About the recent meetings of the President and the Prime Minister with the political leadership, he said these were routine where they discussed security matters.
Asked about any extension in the tenure of General Kiyani, the prime minister said he was a highly professional General and said the matter should not be made controversial since there was still a year before he was due to retire.

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Gilani denies discord between army, president - GEO.tv

Gilani denies discord between army, president
Updated at: 1356 PST, Saturday, January 02, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the impression of differences between army and president is wrong and each of the institution is working within its own framework.

Talking to media here, prime minister said there is no deadlock in constitutional reforms committee over elimination of 17th amendment we are 200 percent serious in abolishment of 17th amendment.

He said compensation of Rs. two million and ownership of government houses will be given to the relatives and families of martyred officials.

Gilani said that nation is united against terrorism and media has also played a vital role in this war. We will further enhance our power in anti terror war. He said 2,000 flats will be constructed for police in federal capital.