He was addressing a seminar on 'Hamid Nizami Day' held under the auspices of the Hamid Nizami Memorial Society at Aiwan-e-Iqbal here on Sunday. He said they wanted to bring a balance of power between president and parliament so as to restore the constitution in its original form adding that they would implement Charter of Democracy. Gilani also appreciated the sacrifices and contribution of the armed forces in their fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister asked upon all the state institutions, including judiciary, executive and the Parliament to work within the ambit of constitution.
The Prime Minister said the democracy should be accorded chance to flourish and get strengthened in the country adding that mid-term elections offered no solution to the problems. Gilani said a democratically elected president should not be compared with a dictator, as it would be quite unjust to do the same, adding there was a difference in accountability and revenge.
Prime Minister said that government would not compromise on the national interest its solidarity and stability, saying everyone would have to deliver their duty in this connection.
APP adds: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that democracy is the future of Pakistan and a panacea for all problems of the country.
Eulogising the late Hamid Nizami's services in journalism, creation and reconstruction of Pakistan and promoting democratic values, the Prime Minister urged media men to play their positive role in the world of today.
"Journalism is the true interpretation of the dictum that the pen is mightier than the sword and the late Hamid Nizami always upheld the truth by supporting the right with his pen before the mighty rulers of his times," he said.
He said democracy had not been presented to them on a platter, but the PPP had made a Herculean struggle and even offered martyrdom for it. Gilani also lauded the role of the PML-N in the restoration of democracy in the country.
Coming hard on certain people who talk of mid-term elections, the he said the country could not afford the misadventure of polls at present. He said it could pose many dangers to the country.
He said people who have suffered the worst dictatorship under Pervez Musharraf should be given the chance to coalition government to deliver. "All future democratic set-ups will be coalition governments and all political forces should forge peaceful coexistence with each other," Gilani added. He said that Pervez Musharraf was afraid of addressing a joint session of parliament and had addressed parliament merely twice during his decade-long dictatorship.
"Parliament is the constituency of the President and President Asif Ali Zardari will address a joint session of parliament as per the constitution of the country", the Premier said.