Pakistans nuclear assets in safe hands, no one will be allowed to cast evil eye on it * Swat deal to be reviewed if peace not ensured.

LAHORE, May 02, 2009 (Balochistan Times) -- Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that in the greater national interest and in pursuance of its policy of national reconciliation, the PPP has decided to remain part of the coalition government in Punjab. The Prime Minister said this during his meeting with Chief Minister Punjab and President PML (N), Mian Shahbaz Sharif who called on him at his residence here on Saturday evening. The Prime Minister said that the decision to remain part of the Punjab Cabinet has been taken in accordance with the Charter of Democracy with a view to focus on real issues confronting the nation including extremism, militancy, poverty, unemployment, inflation and energy shortage. He said it is imperative that in these challenging times all political forces should join hands to meet both internal and external threats. Mian Shahbaz Sharif welcomed the decision and expressed the confidence that this would strengthen democratic traditions in the country. The Prime Minister and Chief Minister Punjab will again meet tomorrow along with the Leader of Opposition Ch. Nisar Ali Khan, to further discuss the modalities of the arrangements for ensuring harmonious interaction between PPP and Pakistan Muslim League (N). Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday reiterated that Pakistans nuclear assets are in safe hands and no one will be allowed to cast evil eye on it. Talking to newsmen here, he rejected rumours about the nuclear programme and said Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state with a strong command and control system in place. About Nizam-e-Adal regulation, he said it is in accordance with the Constitution and traditions of the area. It has been linked with restoration of peace in Swat and if violated, government will review its policy. Those challenging writ of the government will be dealt with iron hands, he warned. Prime Minister said government has full resolve to root out the terrorism and extremism as terrorists hold no faith or border. On situation in Karachi, he said he talked to MQM leader Altaf Hussain and an independent inquiry will be conducted into recent violent incidents in the city. A committee comprising of PPP, MQM, ANP members has been constituted to monitor the situation. Gilani said Pakistan wants friendly relations with all its neighbours including India, Iran and Afghanistan. Earlier addressing certificate distribution ceremony at Rangers Institute of Technical Education, he said government is using all resources to promote education, particularly technical education in the country. The progress and development of any country depends on availability of trained human resource. In this regard we are taking all possible steps. He said new education policy will soon be announced catering to requirements of whole country. Such educational institutions would be set up which will provide free boarding, lodging facility to students to make them productive citizens and help counter tendencies of extremism and terrorism. He expressed confidence that Pakistan Rangers will continue to play its role in educational, welfare projects and ensure peace, law and order in the country. He announced Rs 50 million for Institute of Technical Education. Prime Minister was briefed on law and order situation and Rangers services for maintaining it by Director General, Pakistan Rangers, Punjab Major General Mohammad Yaqoob Khan. Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah and Corps Commander Lahore Lt. General Ijaz Bakshi were also present. Gilani lauded role and services of Rangers in border security, assisting other law-enforcing agencies in maintaining law and order in the country. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Saturday that Nazim-e-Adl regulations are in accordance with the constitution of the country and traditions of people of the area and the government would fully honour Swat agreement if peace was ensured. However , if agreement is not honoured by the other side and peace remains elusive, we would revisit and review the deal, said the Prime Minister while talking to reporters after distributing certificates among students completing various courses at Rangers Technical Institute here on Saturday. He said the Swat deal, signed by the NWFP government, was endorsed by the parliament through a unanimous resolution and the federal government also approved it respecting the mandate of the provincial government. The objective of the deal was to ensure peace and if it was not achieved we would reconsider the deal. To a question about the countrys nuclear programme he said , Pakistan is a nuclear power and the strategic assets are national assets and in safe hands. Those spreading rumours about the nuclear programme were enemies of the country and media should play its role by ignoring baseless conjectures, he said. To another question, the Prime Minister said Pakistan wants good friendly relations with all neighbouring countries including India and Afghanistan. He said terrorism is a curse which has no boundaries. Some elements are using fair name of Islam for their abominable and inhuman acts of terrorism and thus bringing bad name to our great religion which preaches peace , brotherhood and amity. When asked about MQM leaders statements demanding removal of top cops of Sindh, the Prime Minister said, I have already talked to MQM Chief Altaf Hussain and a committee comprising representatives of PPP, MQM and ANP has been constituted which would go to the grass root level to ensure peace. He said, I was given briefing by different law enforcement agencies about violence in Karachi. I also talked to political forces and assured MQM that an independent inquiry would be held into the tragic incidents.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)