Ready to take 'difficult decisions' against NRO beneficiaries in national interest: Gilani

Lahore, Oct 4(ANI): The Pakistan People's Party (PPP)-led coalition government is ready to take "difficult decisions in the larger interest of the nation", Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said in response to a question regarding an "in-house change".

It follows Gilani's statement in the Upper House asking the beneficiaries of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to resign.

According to reports, President Asif Ali Zardari has finalised a list of 242 functionaries who would be shown the exit door.

Although Zardari's name tops the list of NRO beneficiaries, he may come out safe under the immunity provided by Article 248 of the constitution.

The other beneficiaries including Interior Minister Rahman Malik, Secretary General to the President Salman Farooqi and three diplomats- Wajid Shamsul Hassan, Husain Haqqani and M.B. Abbasi.

Gilani also said that the government believes in cooperation and reconciliatory attitude towards the judiciary, and was duty-bound to follow the directions of the Supreme Court.

He also said that the government had submitted a review petition in the apex court regarding the Swiss cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

When asked whether he still believed his government was faced with the "conspiracy of the pen", Gilani said no conspiracy could be hatched against anybody if the institutions were strong.

"There can be no trap because there is a realisation within parliament that we have to protect democracy," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Meanwhile, talking about the army, the Prime Minister said that it is a highly professional and pro-democracy institution, and people should not have the misconception that there were two parallel governments. (ANI)