Sherry Rehman's appointment: civilian, military leadership on same page, says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday dismissed the speculations about early elections, saying that there is no threat to the government from 'memogate' controversy and it would complete its tenure. Talking to newsmen after addressing the concluding session of 2nd International Islamic Women Police Conference here, Gilani said that opposition would gain nothing from the controversy.
He said with the elections only one year away, all the political parties have entered into electioneering mode and are plying to the galleries. Gilani claimed that the government would also win the next general elections. To a question, the prime minister said that his government was being criticised, whereas all the political parties which contested 2008's elections, were in the governments in one way or the other.
Regarding inquiry into the memogate controversy, he said that a high level committee would be constituted soon to conduct inquiry into the matter in a transparent manner. Gilani said that the civilian and military leadership of the country was on the same page as far as Sherry Rehman's appointment as ambassador to US was concerned.
He welcomed Nawaz Sharif's statement that Senate elections would be held as per schedule. Earlier, speaking at the conference, Gilani said that he was glad to see the first ever international event taking place exclusively on women policing in Pakistan and congratulated Ministry of Interior, National Police Bureau, and the German Agency for jointly organising the event.
"This event is an occasion of strengthening our bonds with our friends in the Islamic world to promote co-operation in the field of policing," he said adding that the forum will provide a chance to deliberate on challenging aspects of policing in the present-day world and to develop deeper understanding of issues concerning women's role in police.
"I urge the Interior Ministry and the police organisations to develop and implement adequate policies to combat violence against women along with engagement of other concerned ministries and take strategic steps to; (i) increase representation of women by fully implementing the women's recruitment quota; (ii) invest in capacity building of women police; (iii) diversify women's role in policing; and strengthen policing with procedures and protocols to adequately deal with crimes of violence against women. I understand that these priorities are outlined in the recently formulated Gender Strategy of Police seeking ownership and implementation for gender responsive policing," he added.
He assured personal commitment and support of the government to all the initiatives aimed at enhancing women's role and participation in policing. "Women as equal citizen of the state have a significant role to play in the national development. As women police officers, your passion and aspirations for better future and your contributions to the law enforcement are of great value to your nations," he maintained.
Gilani said that the conference would also help redress gender imbalances and bring about positive change in the police set-up in the country. He said that Pakistan is committed to empower women and create conditions essential for social and gender justice and believes in the principles of equality as enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
He also recounted the pro-women initiatives taken by the pervious government of late Shaheed Benazir Bhutto such as establishment of First Women Bank, and lady health workers system to bring about change in the lives of women. He said the passage of "The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Bill 2008" by the National Assembly is a landmark event in the women struggle for empowerment and emancipation.
The enactment of bill would put an end to inhuman and un-Islamic customs against the women besides further empowering them to take charge of their lives. Such evil customs as Wani, Swara, Badla-e-Sulh, and marriage with the Holy Quran were not only contrary to civilised norms and moral values but also against the teachings of Islam. The unanimous approval of the bill is a demonstration of collective wisdom of Parliament. It shows that democracy secures women rights, Gilani added.