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Masses to get maximum relief in forthcoming budget: PM

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To a question about the restoration of NATO supply vis a vis new terms of engagement with US/NATO/ISAF, the Prime Minister said, the Parliament would decide the matter, which was currently being discussed in the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.

About law and order situation in Karachi, Gilani said, the federal government was concerned over the situation in Karachi and was ready to fully cooperate with the provincial government and provide all out assistance to tackle the situation.

To a question about the law and order situation in Balochistan, the Prime Minister said Balochis were very patriotic and have rendered numerous sacrifices for Pakistan, adding, injustices were done with the people of Balochistan in the past and the present government wanted to compensate them.

He, however, maintained that the protection of life and property was the responsibility of the provincial government, adding, the provincial government will take measures in the light of Thursday's decision of the Supreme Court.

About the summoning of Hussain Haqqani by the Memo Commission, the Prime Minister said, though the matter was subjudice, but viewed that Hussain Haqqani should also be extended the same facility (video conference), as given to Mansoor Ijaz, who was not even a Pakistani citizen.

Mansoor Ijaz also refused to appear before the Parliamentary Committee, which is contempt of the Parliament, he remarked.

To a question about the criticism of PML-N, the Prime Minister said, the PML-N, which has its own manifesto and programme, besides having its government in Punjab was also playing the role of an Opposition at the federal level.

Criticizing each other and having difference of opinion on various issues is part of politics and falls within the spirit of democracy, he remarked.

About US bounty on Hafiz Saeed, the Prime Minister said besides a policy statement issued by the Foreign Office he has also expressed his view-point on the floor of the House during the Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday and stated that it was Pakistan's internal matter.

Gilani, however, added that if anyone had any concrete evidence, it should be provided to Pakistan, as the courts in Pakistan are free and independent.

The Prime Minister further said that Pakistan has bilateral relations with both India and the United States and the issue can also be discussed at the bilateral level.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012