"Democracy is strong" in Pak, 'criminal' to think of military rule possibility: Gilani

Multan, Sept 14 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has reiterated that the democratically elected federal government was strong, the judiciary functional, and called the very thought of expecting martial law "undemocratic and criminal."

"Democracy is strong, the judiciary is functioning independently, political parties are active and parliament is taking decisions with consensus in the country. Such thinking (that there is still any possibility of martial law) is undemocratic and criminal," the Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

"PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, the judiciary and all others are in support of democracy and no negative thinking exists in the country," Gilani added.

Talking to reporters after a visit to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior vice president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi's residence to inquire about his health, Gilani ruled out the possibility of mid-term elections.

"Elections are still far away and those who wish to test our popularity can do so through by-elections. I had already stated it earlier and am saying it now that those who are in a hurry for election will have to wait," he said.

Responding to a query about the country's political future, Gilani said, "I foresee a coalition government in future as well. It seems difficult for a single party to gain the decisive majority."

Later, while addressing a gathering in Multan, Gilani said that politics of reconciliation would resolve the problems plaguing the country.

"We want everybody, including the opposition, to be taken onboard on all important issues because unity among political forces is a recipe for resolving the country's problems," the prime minister said. (ANI)