Save democracy from Army, not my Govt: Gilani

Mangalore Today / CNN IBN

Islamabad, Jan 13: Amidst speculations of a confidence motion, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday made it clear that he does not need a vote of confidence. speaking during the special session of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Gilani said, "I don’t need a vote of confidence, this House unanimously elected me."

The special Assembly session ended on Friday and will convene again on Monday.

Downplaying the Army threat, he said the government doesn’t need saving from the Army and added that democracy must not suffer for anyone’s mistakes.

Gilani called for a Constitutional amendment to limit the tenure of Pakistan’s Prime Minister and President.

"All the dictators have said they represent the people. If you feel Parliament’s tenure should be limited, bring a Constitutional amendment to that effect, don’t leave it to others," Gilani said.

Gilani stressed on the supremacy of Parliament and said, "Governments come and go, but our institutions should be strong, Parliament should be strong. I have no objection if the Leader of the Opposition wants to bring an amendment."

Taking a strong stand against a military coup, Gilani said not autocracy, but democracy should be supported. He said that dictatorship should not be supported in Pakistan.

Sticking to his stand against the Pakistan Army, Gilani said, "We are not here to rally support for the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) or seek support from you because of the Army."

This came amidst the Opposition’s demand for a no-confidence motion.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan had lashed out at the Pakistan government led by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, demanding their resignation. He said that early elections were the only way out of the country’s current crisis, but also added that he won’t support a military coup.

"I have been hearing ’go Zardari go’ slogans. If you are serious, then resign from the Assembly and there will be an automatic situation for elections," Khan said on Thursday.

The row erupted after Gilani sacked the Defence Secretary Lt Gen(retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi, considered to be close to the military, raising fears of a coup.

A disputed memo allegedly from Zardari’s government seeking U.S. help in reining in the military has soured relations to their lowest point since a coup in 1999.

This has come at a time when Gilani and his government are already on a collision course with the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court called Gilani ’dishonest and dishonourable’ on Wednesday.

The Gilani government has also been facing public anger over prices, shortages and corruption.

The Supreme Court has made it clear that it will hear both the corruption case against Zardari and the memogate controversy on Monday. Meanwhile, reports say that the Pakistan Army has decided to back the Supreme Court in the stand-off with the government over the memogate scandal and the high-profile corruption cases.

Earlier on Friday, President Zardari returned to Islamabad from Dubai. His abrupt departure on Thursday had fuelled speculation of whether he will return. Sources close to Zardari said, "We don’t want any confrontation with the Army and the Supreme Court. The matter with the Supreme Court will be sorted out."