Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali said Friday that "a political-cum-democratic system is in place; is functioning well; and will continue, and the parliament will complete its tenure".
He was addressing a news conference at Chak Lala base on return from a nine-day odyssey to south-east Asia, which took him to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and China.
"I cannot put a lock on the tongue of anybody," he said when asked to comment on the reported critical remarks on his performance as the premier by his party vice-president Kabir Wasti. "The country needs democracy and the people should not pay heed to rumours," he added.
The Prime Minister, who returned to a highly charged political milieu, rejected the suggestion that he has problems with his ruling PML (Q) and other coalition partners. PML (Q) President Shujaat Hussain has already given a detailed statement rebutting rumours, he noted advising care in differentiating rumours from reality.
"Reality is that I am sitting before you as prime minister of the country", he told journalists at the press conference.
Prime Minister Jamali said that new members would be inducted to the Federal Cabinet to fill the vacant slots "at an appropriate time".
Commenting on the problems that emerged in the wake of ban on movement of wheat, he observed that new wheat crop has been harvested and "there is no shortage" of the commodity. If any province has a complaint, it can be sorted out through mutual consultation, he added.
Jamali described his visit to Laos, Cambodia and Thailand as "very successful", saying that this would lead to further strengthening of relations with these countries.
In meetings with leaders of these Asean member states, he said, he was assured of support for Pakistan's entry into the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) and for establishing 'Full Dialogue' partnership with the Asean.
He said that Pakistan is determined to forge closer co-operation with these countries for faster economic growth and development.
Jamali also made a mention of a number of agreements and MOUs signed with the countries he visited including promotion and protection of investment, scientific and technological collaboration, combating terrorism and other crimes.
He said that these agreements would lead to more interaction and collaboration between Pakistan and these countries.
The Prime Minister said that, as current chairman of Saarc, during his talks in the Asean capitals, he emphasised the need for greater inter-regional co-operation. "There is tremendous goodwill and support for Pakistan in these countries," he said, adding that his hosts were highly appreciative of Pakistan's efforts for peace in South Asia.
The prime minister said he was confident that India would not oppose Pakistan's membership to Asean Regional Forum.
On the Boao Economic Forum, which he addressed during his China visit, Jamali said he also met with the Chinese President, former US President Bush, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahatir Muhammad and Czech President.
The senior Bush appreciated steps taken by Pakistan to counter terrorism, he added.
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