Gilani says PML-Q can play kingmaker in Punjab

Islamabad, Mar. 10 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) can play the kingmaker's role in Punjab.

Addressing the parliament, he said the PPP-led government would not mind sitting on the opposition benches if it failed to show majority support, adding that the Federal Government would respect the mandate of the party, which has the support of majority of Punjab Assembly members.

"I assure [the Senate] that we will respect the mandate of all the political parties," the Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Speaking about the confrontation between the PPP and PML-N, Gilani said the impression of a rift between Punjab and Sindh was not good for the centre.

Referring to the Sharif brothers, Gilani said he had the highest regard for them, as they supported the PPP's struggle for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.

"We have worked together in the past and want to work together in the future as well. Politics is like musical chairs. When one party comes to power, the other sits in the opposition. Today's opposition is tomorrow's government," he said.

Gilani said he wanted to see Governor's rule lifted in Punjab as soon as possible.

"I am not in favor of the imposition of governor's rule. I am against it. I want it lifted tomorrow, instead of after two months," he said.

He also assured that he would support a consensus bill on the implementation of the Charter of Democracy and the abolishment of the 17th Amendment. (ANI)