Amid fears of a looming clash between the executive and judiciary over high-profile corruption cases, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that there should be mutual respect among state institutions.
Gilani's remarks, made in the course of a televised address to the nation last night, came against the backdrop of a suo moto case initiated by the Supreme Court following media reports that the government was planning to sack some members of the superior judiciary.
The apex court took up the case even after Gilani denied the media reports.
The premier said there was no chance of a clash between the various institutions of the state as his government believes in a policy of reconciliation and would stick to this path.
"The policy of reconciliation will bring political powers and state institutions closer, with the welfare of the people being the focal point," he said.
"If we can work together with the army and create consensus among political forces, then we can certainly go along with the judiciary," he said.
At the same time, Gilani made it clear that remarks by him and President Asif Ali Zardari denying any move to sack judges of the apex court should be accepted by all.
When such assertions are not accepted, "then I may remind that we are violating the principles of mutual respect, which is the soul of the constitution", he said.
"If false news is given preference over the words of the Prime Minister, then it would be an insult to the stature of the Prime Minister," he remarked.
Despite the government's denials, the apex court has asked it to submit a statement signed by the Prime Minister explaining its stance on the issue of the alleged sacking of judges by today.
Gilani said he had ordered an inquiry into the media reports that caused the furore so that the people could find out who was behind the move to spoil relations between the judiciary and the executive.
In a show of strength, Gilani was flanked by chief ministers of Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan and senior ministers of Punjab and Sindh when he delivered the address.
Punjab Chief Minister and PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif was conspicuous by his absence.
Gilani reminded the people that his government had restored judges sacked by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf despite pressure from different quarters.
"This (democracy) teaches us to respect every state institution, including the judiciary, legislature, executive and media," he said.
He said the judges should come together with the government at a forum to pursue the goal of social, economic and legal justice.
"If the government and judiciary take steps together, we can administer justice to the poor of the country. We can counter forces of oppression. We can bring to justice those who usurp the rights of the people," he added.
Gilani said, "We do not want to waste more of our capabilities and time in this meaningless battle of survival. Our viewpoint on the constitution, state institutions and country's conditions is clear and categorical. I do not want to waste my and the nation's time by repeating it time and again."
"We have got united to protect the life and property of people, curb price hike and injustice and take action against anti-social elements and this will be our first priority," he said.
