Gilani says Govt. not planning to curtail Chaudhry's powers

Islamabad, Mar. 18 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has rejected reports that the government is planning to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry.

Gilani said: "Such negativism should be discouraged", while adding that by reinstating Chaudhry, the government had amicably resolved the national issue of the independence of judiciary "in accordance with Benazir Bhutto's vision and President Asif Zardari's promise".

He also said Governor's Rule in Punjab would also be lifted soon, as the government was planning to take all political parties on board in its efforts for reconciliation.

"The federal government is against Governor's Rule in Punjab. I am against Governor's Rule in Punjab. It will end as soon as possible. It is the government's top priority," the Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

On the implementation of the Charter of Democracy, Gilani said his government wanted national reconciliation and the strengthening of democracy and national institutions in accord with the CoD because it was essential for a better future for Pakistan.

"The government will implement the Charter of Democracy - as signed by slain PPP chairwoman Benazir Bhutto and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif - in letter and spirit," he said.

Appreciating Nawaz's positive response to his policy of reconciliation, Gilani said, "the government will file a review petition against the disqualification of the Sharif brothers after the Supreme Court issues its detailed verdict."

He also indicated that the PPP could ally with the PML-N on the national level, by saying that "politics is a day-to-day affair". (ANI)