The Information Minister, while talking to a private television channel, said that the government handled the long march issue amicably with tolerance as all the coalition partners had also suggested for the same.

During the talks, the focus of Tehreek Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri was on the scrutiny of candidates for next elections, so that honest and better people could reach the assemblies, he added.

He said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had introduced the policy of reconciliation in the country and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) - led government was pursuing it.

Replying to a question, Kaira said that difference of opinion was the beauty of democracy. The PPP has differences with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, but it is a part of democratic process, he added.

He said that it was an honour for him that he was twice considered by the party for the slot of prime minister. However, Raja Pervez Ashraf, being the most senior party leader and a seasoned politician, was given the job.

The minister said that the government believed in independence of judiciary and was implementing the court orders in letter and spirit.