Lack of implementation of Charter of Democracy biggest mistake: Gilani

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said the lack of implementation of the Charter of Democracy (CoD) immediately after it was signed was “the biggest mistake”.

Interacting with a group of journalists, Gilani said the government should have implemented the CoD immediately after Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif signed it.

He, however, reiterated his government’s resolve to implement the document, and said a parliamentary committee on constitutional reforms with all political parties on board would soon file its recommendations.

Replying to a question, Gilani said while the PPP had traditionally been anti-establishment, the ruling party and the military leadership were on the same page for the first time in the country’s history.

Gilani said the government was committed to doing away with the 17th Amendment, Article 58(2b) and the bar limiting terms in the prime minister’s office to not more than two, the Daily Times reports.

He said successful military operations in Malakand and South Waziristan, the Balochistan package, the signing of the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order were among the government’s major achievements over the last 18 years.

The Prime Minister said the government, by mobilising public support and taking all political forces on board, gave political ownership to the ongoing war against terrorism.

He said unlike Afghanistan, Pakistan had “popular support” for the war, as the entire nation was united in backing the government, and “the credit for this popular public opinion also goes to the media.” (ANI)