Govt reserves right to take action, if peace agreement violated: Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Apr 23 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday vowed to ensure government’s writ in Swat and warned that it reserves the right to take other measures if peace agreement was violated. “We do not wish that a parallel government functions here or such courts are setup,” Gilani told reporters here after attending a briefing at the Cabinet Division.



“We have to ensure writ of the government,” Gilani said when asked about reports of setting up of parallel courts in Swat, under the Nizam-e-Adl regulations. “We reserve the right to go for other options if Talibanisation continues,” he added.

Prime Minister Gilani said the army was working under the civilian government and if the provincial or the federal government so desires, it may seek their assistance.

He said constitution of the country was supreme and has no place for any parallel setups.

He said the government respected the mandate given by the people to the provincial government, under its policy to hold political dialogue with all. He said if either party violates any section of the deal, the jirga favours the aggrieved party.

The Prime Minister said the agreement was aimed at bringing peace to the restive Swat valley and provide speedy justice. He however said that in case Sufi Mohammad fails to implement the accord the government will have to review its policy.

He said the report prepared by the committee setup by the parliament on national security had presented its deliberations and the cabinet and the four chief ministers will deliberate and prepare recommendations for the President.

“It will be a national policy recommended by the parliament and will form a strategy that is the desired by the people of Pakistan and is in the interest of the nation.”

Prime Minister Gilani when asked about the in-camera briefing to the Senate by Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik, said he will inform the upper house after consulting all the stake holders.

Asked whether the government would protest over the fake charges of terrorism levelled against 12 Pakistani students by the British government, Gilani said it was due to the efforts of the Pakistani government that they were released.

He also refuted a report that foreign office officials and he was not well prepared for the meeting with Chairman US Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry.

Gilani said his government desired to ensure good governance at all levels and said his visit to the Cabinet Division was in this connection. link...