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Gilani rules out

possibility of martial law

ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly, Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that democracy is deep rooted in the country and there is no possibility of martial law.

He was taking to mediamen at the annual day of Angelique Public school here on Monday.

When his attention was drawn towards the press statements of some opposition leaders regarding imposition of extra- constitutional measures, the Speaker said he did not believe in it, because democratic institutions are functioning smoothly.

Moreover, he added, "There was no benefit of martial law, neither for the government, nor for the opposition."

Regarding Thursday incident, in Lahore, Gilani strongly condemned the murder of PML(N) worker Javed Ashraf and said, it was terrorism, adding "terrorism at any level in any manner whatsoever is highly condemnable.

About the incident, he further said it was a provincial matter, however, it could be discussed in the House through an adjournment motion.

To a query regarding early elections, the speaker said, there is a democratic way to discuss and settle such demands. In this connection, he said "We have to go according to the constitution.

The constitution, he added provides a way out, according to which the National Assembly could be dissolved by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Responding to another query about the no-confidence move against him, he showed his ignorance and said it was the democratic right of elected representatives.

Democratic right, he said could not be snatched away from the people, moreover, House was the proper forum to discuss the issues, otherwise those would be brought to the streets.

Responding to a question regarding the opposition, he said it's job was to embarrass the government and hence it was doing a good job.

Earlier delivering his inaugural address at the twentieth annual day of Angelique Public School, he said, the government wanted to bring the country at par with countries of South East and Far East by the year 2,000 by enhancing the literacy rate.

He said that under the Prime Minister's Social Action Programme (SAP), free Primary Education was being provided to the masses particularly to those living in rural areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal of the school, Mrs. Latif said, Education was vital for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

She urged the government to provide required facilities to the private sector so that it could work with added enthusiasm.-APP