No chance of early election: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday dismissed any chance of early polls and said the general election would be held on time after the parliament completes its tenure. Talking to media persons after inaugurating the new building of Pakistan Television Centre, the Prime Minister said the government would follow the constitutional and legal process to hold general election.Gilani said the demand for early election was the “old technique of the have-nots to become haves”.“However, we will act according to the Constitution,” the Prime Minister said.He said the coalition government was stable and assured that other political parties also supported the view that parliament should complete its tenure.He said the hue and cry for early polls was aimed at sabotaging the upcoming Senate election in March.Gilani said the revised foreign policy with United States and NATO would be approved by the parliament.He said the Parliamentary Committee on National Security was preparing recommendation on the issue which would be finalized by the parliament.He said Pakistan wanted a stable and strong Afghanistan and intended to maintain friendly relations with its neighbour.When asked about the relations between President Asif Ali Zardari and Army Chief Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, the Prime Minister said “these [ties] are very good”. He rejected the impression of “begging” or “requesting” the army chief for accepting extension in his service, and said this was the ambiguity of English translation of his version.On creation of Seraiki province, the Prime Minister said the matter enjoyed the support of coalition partners and would be pursued with consensus.He said the issue would be raised in both National and provincial assemblies.Gilani termed inflation a global issue and said the nation realized that the government was striving to overcome it amicably.He said the cabinet meeting on Wednesday would take up the issue of gas supply and other matters of public importance.He said after his meeting with Pakistan Ginners Association, he directed the administration to take measures against hoarding and ensure prices of commodities according to fixed rates.Prime Minister Gilani said the government would regularize the contractual employees working in different organizations as its policy.When asked to comment on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, he said, “Such parties are made overnight and come to their end overnight.”He said Pakistan Peoples Party was an ideological party and would not be affected by such parties.