Pakistani PM bows to opposition demands
By DPA, IANSSunday, January 9, 2011
ISLAMABAD - Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday accepted a list of demands by the main opposition, further driving back the spectre of a looming political crisis in the country.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), headed by former two-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, had started a 72-hour clock on their ultimatum Friday. Their demands included taking steps to address endemic corruption and price hikes.
“Today I called him (Sharif) and informed him that we want to address all issues in cooperation with opposition parties,” Gilani told the media.
Gilani had already succeeded in winning back the support of the Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party, which last week pulled out of government and briefly put the government into the minority.
Nonetheless, Gilani’s willingness to work with the opposition should ease domestic pressure and help the government to concentrate on the vital fight against Taliban militancy in tribal areas along the Afghan border.
