Gilani rules out army toppling democratically elected Pak government

Islamabad, Sept 10 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, reiterating the need for democracy in the country, has stated that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) government would complete its tenure and there was no possibility of the army taking over.

"The army neither intends to come to power, nor will it do so. The judiciary is independent and pro-democratic. Despite this, if some people are debating such a possibility, then they are clearly wasting their time," the Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

"The media, the masses and the political parties are very clear that democracy is the need of the country. The world will also not accept any undemocratic move," he pointed out.

Talking to reporters at the PM's House, Gilani said that the army was a part of the civil administration and it was involved in flood relief activities on the government' request.

"Those who consider the army and the civil government two separate entities are living in a fool's paradise," the PM added.

Gilani pointed out that the PPP government had come to power after winning elections and so the "mandate of people should be respected."

The PM, talking about the recent floods, said that the devastation was huge and "we have to tackle it collectively," adding that so far, four billion rupees had been received in the Prime Minister's Flood Relief Fund.

Gilani declared that owing to the floods disaster, "this Eid will be celebrated with simplicity and austerity. I myself will visit the flood relief camps on Eid day." (ANI)