ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said free, fair and transparent elections will be held on time in 2013 and the government is not facing any threat because of the issues, created by the opposition.
Talking to mediamen after addressing the concluding session of 2nd International Islamic Women Police Conference here, he said opposition is raising issues but the government has no threat from any scandal and those targeting the government will be disappointed.
"Everybody is playing to the galleries. Although everybody is in the government but only their government is being criticised," he added.
Some of the political parties are already on the campaign trail, he added.
When asked to comment on performance of the Cabinet, he pointed that Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry praised Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
The Prime Minister said the government firmly believes in democracy and is following law and Constitution.
He said "We respect the mandate given by the people to the political parties."
He said a high level committee will soon start to probe the issue of memo and the investigation will be held in a fair manner.
Hussain Haqqani was summoned to give explanation on the issue and was asked to submit his resignation, he said adding it is not his job to bring Ijaz Mansoor to Pakistan.
To a question, he said he took up the issue of memo on floor of the National Assembly and Hussain Haqqani was asked to resign as a controversy was created on it.
He negated the impression that any clearance was taken from the military for the appointment of Sherry Rehman as Pakistan's ambassador to the United States.
He said as a chief executive, it was his domain to appoint the new ambassador.
Military and civilian leadership are on the same page on national issues, he added.
Gilani appreciated the statement of PML-N President Nawaz Sharif that Senate elections should be held.
Senate elections will be held on time in a democratic manner and the government will win them, he added.
When asked about the progress in Benazir Bhutto assassination case, he said the matter was sub judice.
He said the government will take care of the challenges, being faced by the country.
"Honestly speaking, it will not be easy for anyone to run the government in the face of present challenges," he said adding, "We are taking forward democracy in a positive manner, in very difficult circumstances."
To a question whether Imran Khan was getting support of the ISI and establishment, Gilani said only people could tell this.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011
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