Geo436.com blog: Elections after completion of 5-yr term: PM

Geo436 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said people and not media are the best and ultimate judge to pass a final verdict and hold accountable the government and political parties.

The Premier said general elections would take place after the completion of five-year tenure of his government.

Addressing the participants of 4th National Conference organized by South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) here on Saturday, the Prime Minister said the primary and basic role of the media is to provide news and information to the people in a fair and objective manner.

Gilani said, "All of us need to learn and respect each other's defined responsibilities. This is how institutions grow through evolution. We should give democracy chance to develop into a sustainable system capable of addressing people's problems."

He pointed out that speculations and self-styled analyses impact negatively upon economy by creating an impression of political instability.

He said constructive interactions between political leadership, journalistic community, and civil society organizations are acutely needed for building bridges and exploring commonalities for durable peace in South Asia, a region which has, unfortunately, been condemned to poverty, conflict and backwardness.

He said Pakistan being a federal state demands a system of governance, which caters to the aspirations of its federating units.

Such a system should be aimed at creating harmony and fostering unity within the diverse elements of national power, he said adding all the milestones achieved by the government owe themselves to the visionary policy of reconciliation espoused by Shaheed leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

The Prime Minister said the parameters of the proposal of the national agenda given by Mian Nawaz Sharif would be discussed when its details are shared.

"It might require taking all the stakeholders on board to develop consensus on the ideas and policies in the larger interest of the people of Pakistan."

Gilani said the present government embarked on a tough agenda of structural reforms within the system to make it compatible with the challenges of time.

The Prime Minister said the political, administrative and economic empowerment of provinces would go a long way in eliminating the feelings of deprivations and isolation thereby strengthening the federation.