Gilani rules out change in Presidency

Multan, Nov.15 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has ruled out any change in Presidency, thus putting to rest all speculations regarding removal of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Following the government' s failure to table the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in parliament, speculations about Zardari being dethroned was doing rounds in Pakistan's political quarters.

Interacting with media persons at the airport here, Gilani said he and Zardari were ready to face the challenge, and would never compromise on their policies.

"President Asif Ali Zardari and I have gone to jail, but we never compromised. Even now, we do not fear trials," The Dawn quoted Gilani, as saying.

He criticised people for comparing former President General Pervez Musharraf with Zardari, saying the latter has always worked for establishing the supremacy of democracy.

"He (Musharraf) was a dictator while the PPP leadership always upheld democracy and struggled for its supremacy," Gilani said.

Responding to a question regarding the safety of country's nuclear installations, Gilani said Pakistan would never compromise on its nuclear programme and that the country's nuclear assets were safe under the Nuclear Command and Control Authority.

"Although there are some enemies who do not want to see a nuclear-armed Pakistan, but I want to make it clear that there will no compromise on the country's nuclear programme," he added. (ANI)