Minus-one a ploy to dislodge PPP govt: Gilani
LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says the minus-one formula was just a ploy to weaken and dislodge the PPP government at the centre.
During an informal meeting with his close associates here on Sunday, he said: I am well aware of the designs of the opponents of my party. They are giving an impression that our party would emerge stronger and the government would complete its term if I agree to the minus-one formula, but they are working to send the whole set-up packing, a source privy to the meeting quoted Mr Gilani as saying.
Efforts are being made to weaken the party, but we will not let them succeed, he said.
Commenting on the issue of the trial of former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, he said: The matter of Musharrafs trial under Article 6 is not over yet. However, there can be a difference of opinion on how to proceed.
Talking to reporters at the residence of Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali, he denied that the issue had affected his relations with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif.
I have good relations with Mr Sharif, he said, adding that both the PPP and PML-N had suffered at the hands of dictators.
About the minus-one formula he said: There is no concept of minus-one formula in democracy.
PML-N has been critical of Mr Gilani since he made the statement that Gen (retd) Musharraf could be tried for treason if the National Assembly approved a unanimous resolution calling for action against him.
APP adds: The prime minister said he was constantly in touch with President Asif Ali Zardari, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other PML-N leaders on all important issues, including the sugar crisis.
Mr Gilani said the government had recently taken a decision on the sugar issue and people would face no problem.
The prime minister said that terrorists were fast losing strength and would soon be eliminated.
DAWN.COM | Pakistan | ?Minus-one? a ploy to dislodge PPP govt: Gilani
LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says the minus-one formula was just a ploy to weaken and dislodge the PPP government at the centre.
During an informal meeting with his close associates here on Sunday, he said: I am well aware of the designs of the opponents of my party. They are giving an impression that our party would emerge stronger and the government would complete its term if I agree to the minus-one formula, but they are working to send the whole set-up packing, a source privy to the meeting quoted Mr Gilani as saying.
Efforts are being made to weaken the party, but we will not let them succeed, he said.
Commenting on the issue of the trial of former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, he said: The matter of Musharrafs trial under Article 6 is not over yet. However, there can be a difference of opinion on how to proceed.
Talking to reporters at the residence of Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali, he denied that the issue had affected his relations with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif.
I have good relations with Mr Sharif, he said, adding that both the PPP and PML-N had suffered at the hands of dictators.
About the minus-one formula he said: There is no concept of minus-one formula in democracy.
PML-N has been critical of Mr Gilani since he made the statement that Gen (retd) Musharraf could be tried for treason if the National Assembly approved a unanimous resolution calling for action against him.
APP adds: The prime minister said he was constantly in touch with President Asif Ali Zardari, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other PML-N leaders on all important issues, including the sugar crisis.
Mr Gilani said the government had recently taken a decision on the sugar issue and people would face no problem.
The prime minister said that terrorists were fast losing strength and would soon be eliminated.
DAWN.COM | Pakistan | ?Minus-one? a ploy to dislodge PPP govt: Gilani