Saturday, May 17, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 10, 1429    

Govt committed to restoring 1973 Constitution: PM

Sharafat Kazmi

Islamabad—Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is committed to restoring the 1973 constitution and strengthening the parliamentary system to ensure smooth and seamless legislation in the Parliament.
The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mrs. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s House on Friday.The Prime Minister said that 1973 constitution is a sacred document which was unanimously passed by all the political parties to protect the rights of all the federating units. He said that he has already announced that concurrent list will be abolished within one year. This, he added would give more provincial autonomy and in this regard the government will soon start working on the necessary legislation.
The Prime Minister said that the role of parliamentary committees is crucial in the legislative process and every effort would be made to further strengthen the functioning of the committees.
He said that all important issues of national importance will be brought before the House and would be thoroughly discussed to seek input of all the political parties towards legislative process and national reconciliation.
The Speaker apprised the Prime Minister of her recent visit to Cape Town to attend the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, where she got the opportunity to interact with her counterparts from all over the world. She said the democratic world is truly pleased with the return of democracy in Pakistan.
Restoration of Pakistan membership in the Commonwealth was also discussed in the meeting. This, she added, reflects confidence of Commonwealth on the democratic government and would help in enhancing interaction among the member countries thus enabling Pakistan to play its effective role for the regional and international peace.