Gilani rejects rumours about COAS and DG ISI

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday dispelled the impression that government is contemplating to remove Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, saying that there was no clash between the government and the military.
The prime minister was briefing representatives of electronic media here at Prime Minister's House. The rebuttal came after opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan's statement that any government move to sack Army Chief and DG ISI in the wake of 'memogate' controversy would be countered.
"A general cannot be changed in the middle of war," said the prime minister in response to a question regarding extension given to Army Chief. He‚ however, described the speculations in media as baseless that the government was planning to remove Army Chief and DG ISI.
The prime minister said that he was satisfied with the performances of both the generals. He said the rumours were spread by few 'opportunists' who were trying to achieve their own political goals.
The prime minister categorically stated that there was no clash between government and military, rejecting the impression that the government was not on talking terms with military leadership. He said that he had talked to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shamim Wyne on Monday. He said that all the national institutions were working under the government.
Gilani said that his statement 'state within a state' in the National Assembly was with regard to Secretary Defence Khalid Naeem Lodhi. He said he had assigned the probe into his matter to the defence minister.
To a question about any possibility of reopening of NATO supplies‚ he said the issue would be handled as per recommendations of the parliamentary committee on national security, which is currently looking into the matter.
About NATO inquiry report‚ he said the government would give its reaction when it receive the final report. He said that the government was waiting for army's report, adding "once the army releases its investigations' details, we will discuss the matter with all the stakeholders and decide regarding future engagements with the US."
About relations with US, Gilani recalled that the initial engagement with the US was decided by "just an individual after one phone call" (by General Musharraf). He, however, pointed out that things were different now, saying "we will decide everything after discussing the matter with everyone."
The prime minister said memogate also pertains to national security and the matter has been referred to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. He said that he immediately asked Husain Haqqani to resign and come back to Pakistan so that proper investigation into the issue could be conducted.
To another question‚ the prime minister said circular debt were on the rise when they took over, adding that directives have been issued to address the issue on priority basis.
The prime minister was of the view that the parliament should complete its tenure so that democracy could flourish in the country, adding that all the political forces want the democratic system to continue. He said that the parliament would complete its constitutional term regardless he stays as prime minister or not.
He suggested his opponents to adopt a constitutional way to oust him. "I am not a stubborn child," he added.
Gilani, however, praised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif, saying that he (Nawaz) was showing political maturity while favouring the democratic system. He also thanked JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and MQM chief Altaf Hussain for supporting Saraiki province, adding that they will work on the issue.
About Balochistan, he said the year 2012 would be the year of Balochistan and the government would focus on the development of the province. He pointed out that the only major issue that remains unsolved was that of security, which he admitted at times gets beyond his control. "A state is responsible for providing security to its citizens and if it fails to do so, then the people have every right to be upset about it," Gilani said. He further said that a committee has been formed on Balochistan issue, which has representatives from all the parties and was working to solve the problems faced by the people.
About Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) chairman Imran Khan's criticism of President Zardari, Gilani said that the President had been in politics for a long time and had acquired enough experience to guide his government without being in the spotlight. When asked whether the PTI is being supported by the establishment or not, he said that all he knows was, "king's party survives till the time when the king is present; once the king is gone, the party evaporates." He said that the companion of Musharraf were joining PTI, who were now claiming to bring revolution.
To a question‚ the prime minister said there would be only scheduled load shedding of power and gas, adding that unscheduled load shedding was unacceptable.