Army won’t attempt to take over: Pakistani PM

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Tuesday said that the army will not attempt to take over and impose another martial law because it is sincere to the cause of democracy in the country.

In an unusually aggressive address to the National Assembly Tuesday, he said that those calling for martial law were conspiring against the federation.

Nobody should have an illusion that they can invite the army to derail the process of democracy,” he said in a firm tone.

Without naming his political opponent and major opposition party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, he said: It is a being propagated that army wants to topple the government but there is no truth in it.

We cannot act on the whims of vested interests.”

PML-N chief and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif last week urged the army and other related stakeholders to play their due role for safeguarding the country.

A string of military strongmen has ruled Pakistan. Pervez Musharraf was the last military dictator who grabbed power in 1999 and stepped down in 2008. He is now based in London and has floated a new political party of his own.

Many PML-N legislators have been advocating for mid-term elections on account of corruption charges against the ruling elite.

There is only one possibility for mid-term election that I recommend dissolution of parliament, Gilani said and posed: How could an elected PM want to dissolve the government of his own party?

I will protect the parliament and those conspiring against it will have to bite the dust,” he vowed.

If somebody wants to hold local bodies elections to see his party’s popularity, they can fulfil their desire…We are ready to sit with any party to discuss the contentious points but derailing the system is not an option at all.

(Awais Saleem can be contacted at ians.pakistan@gmail.com)