Zardari to cede power to appoint services chiefs, 58-2b: PM

[Naveed Yaseen]

Says govt to bring SWA operation to its logical end, visits IDPs camp in DI Khan

By Asim Yasin

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said he is enjoying all the constitutional powers being the chief executive of the country.

“President Asif Ali Zardari had already shown his desire to surrender the presidential powers to the prime minister, including Article 58-2(b) and appointment of services chiefs,” he said while addressing a press conference during his visit to the Special Support Group camp for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of South Waziristan in Dera Ismail Khan.

When asked specifically about the powers of the appointment of services chiefs, the prime minister said it was not an issue as the president already desired to surrender the power.About the demand of Fata parliamentarians for replacement of the NWFP governor, Gilani ruled out any change for the time being, saying: “You cannot change the general in the middle of a war.”

Answering a question about the ongoing operation Rah-e-Nijat, the prime minister said he was fully satisfied with the progress of the offensive.When asked whether this operation would be extended to other areas in Fata, he said he could not divulge details of future operations as it could alert the terrorists.

He said Pakistan is fighting against terrorism in its own interest. “Pakistan stands for stability in Afghanistan as peace and stability in the region is also in the interest of the international community,” he added.

Gilani said proof of the Indian involvement in Balochistan and Waziristan have been found. However, he said, India is not ready to talk on the issue. “As and when required we will present these proofs,” he said.

Meanwhile, addressing the notables of the Mehsud tribe at the IDPs camp, Prime Minister Gilani said the government is fully committed to bringing the ongoing operation against terrorists to its logical conclusion.

“The tribesmen are true patriots and they have always rendered tremendous services for the cause of the country,” he said.Prime Minister Gilani said that a handful of foreign elements were trying to disrupt peace in the country, adding that the government would control them with an iron hand. He said terrorists of Arab, Uzbek, Afghan and Chechen origin were operating in the country.

Gilani categorically stated that the Mehsud tribesmen were patriotic Pakistanis and had nothing to do with a handful of terrorists who had taken refuge in their area. He lauded the role of thetribal people in the creation of Pakistan and said the nation can never forget their sacrifices. “The tribesmen are rendering sacrifices to save our tomorrow but the government will not leave them alone and will utilise all available resources for their welfare and rehabilitation,” he said.

The prime minister made it clear that the military operation was not against any specific tribe of the area but it was being carried out to eliminate terrorists. He said this operation will continue till complete elimination of terrorists as the government is determined to restore peace in the country that is imperative for the socio-economic development. He urged the Mehsud tribesmen to fully cooperate with security forces in their efforts to flush out terrorists from their areas.

Gilani said Rs24 billion has been earmarked for reconstruction and rehabilitation work as part of the exit strategy and the first instalment of Rs6 billion has already been paid to the provincial government.

He said Rs5,000 was being paid to each displaced family while each IDP family of Waziristan would also be provided Rs25,000 during the rehabilitation phase.He said the government is committed to the socio-economic development of the tribal areas and a gigantic development programme will be launched in these areas after the restoration of peace.

NWFP Governor Owais Ghani, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, BISP Chairperson Farzana Raja and parliamentarians belonging to the Fata also accompanied the prime minister during his visit to the IDPs camp.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=25627