Prime Minister Gilani rejects reports of DG ISI’s extension

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani rejected the impression that the incumbent was considering giving extension to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general (DG), Ahmed Shuja Pasha, in order to normalize civil-military relations.

While speaking to the media after his return from World Economic Forum, he observed, “It’s disinformation that meetings with the military brass prior to my departure for Davos were meant to ease the tensions with them.”

Apparently, the civil-military relations are not on same page with the emergence of inglorious memogate scandal which is yet to see its drop-scene. The rumours have twirled that the PPP-led government mulling extending the tenure of top spymaster Ahmed Shuja Pasha who is retiring March 2012.

Gilani did not comment on his statement about the affidavits submitted by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Lt. Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha before the Supreme Court in the controversial memogate scam.

The premier stated, “Things are settling down. I’ve sacked the person who was responsible for the chaos and I don’t want to re-open the much-debated issue as I’ve already clarified the situation.”

About early elections, he was of the opinion that consultation would be held with the allied parties if the opposition took up the matter sensibly. He, however, clarified that the polls would be held following the budget for next fiscal year.

Gilani asserted, “It is up to the prime minister to decide whether elections are to be held earlier than scheduled or on time. With the passage of the fifth budget, the election year starts and we are of the view that early elections are likely after the budget.”

It is vital to note here that most of the opposition parties, whether inside the parliament or outside, have been calling for early polls.

About the 20^th amendment, he stated that the incumbent will take all political parties into confidence and try and develop a harmony on the matter. “In politics, bridges are built, not walls. We want free, fair and transparent elections and a smooth transition will set a tradition for future,” he observed.

Replying to a query about issue recent contaminated medicines, he stated that Punjab was hurdle in the creation of new Drug Regulatory Authority as rest of the three provinces had given their approval to the federation in written forms.

About resumption of NATO supply route, the premier categorically said that the government would follow whatsoever decision the parliament would take over the matter. The days were gone when a dictator would bow to others on a single telephone call, he remarked.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Jan 30 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.