ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Monday assured National Assembly to protect and preserve national dignity as well as respect of the parliament and other institutions.
Speaking in the House after passage of Contempt of Court Bill and discussion on resumption of NATO supplies, the Prime Minister said, "the government is fully aware of national obligations and pride and has firm resolve to protect it."
"We have not hidden anything from the nation and will not do so in future. If there will be any MoU or agreement regarding war against terrorism, we shall place it before the nation," he added in special reference to resumption of NATO supplies.
He said NATO is a group of 50 countries including some of our important friends. Therefore, we cannot live in isolation and cannot make Pakistan an island. "But, we are also aware of our interests and national priorities."
He invited opposition to bring business on this issue and the government will welcome to discuss the matter in the parliament.
He said the government stood by its principled stance to protect national interests and kept the supply suspended for eight months. "We stood firm on our demand of US apology on Salala incident. Finally US tendered apology and all US media reported it."
He said Pakistan desires peaceful and stable Afghanistan. We are a facilitator in this process and desire better relations with regional countries.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Parliament, the parliamentary committee and the nation on selection of a consensus Chief Election Commissioner. "Fakhar-ud-Din G Ibrahim is a person who enjoys confidence of the parliament and the people. His appointment as CEC will pave way for impartial and transparent election as desired by the nation."
He said both the government and opposition are important in democratic system. "We have no ill will about anybody and desire strong democracy where institutions enjoy respect and work in harmony."
The Prime Minister said the government respects judiciary from the core of heart and dispelled the impression that there can be confrontation between the institutions.
"We all are Pakistanis and Supreme Court is also Supreme Court of Pakistan and its sanctity is compulsory on all of us," he said.
The Prime Minister said, the Contempt of Court Bill will not obstruct anybody in dispensation of duties. Through this bill the government did not desire to make anybody 'a holy cow' rather this bill will protect the right to appeal.
He reiterated the resolve of the government to defend democracy, sanctity of the parliament and other institutions and continue with this policy in future as well.
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