Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Kashmir and National Institutions

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Gilani assured the public that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has always respected national institutions and will continue to follow this path, highlighting the party's history of confronting dictators to uphold the rule of law and Constitution. He praised PPP founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for giving the country the 1973 Constitution, which teaches the respect of institutions. Gilani recalled the sacrifices of PPP leaders, including Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who challenged dictators and paved the way for a peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PPP has a history of confronting dictators to uphold the rule of law and Constitution, with Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto facing the dictatorships of Gen. Ayub Khan and Gen. Zia ul Haq.
  • Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto challenged the dictators Gen. Zia ul Haq and Gen. Pervez Musharraf, and Co-Chairman PPP President Asif Ali Zardari confronted the dictatorship of Gen. Musharraf.
  • The PPP founder, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, gave the country the 1973 Constitution, which teaches the respect of institutions, including the judiciary, parliament, media, army, and civil society.
  • The PPP-led government has successfully restored the 1973 Constitution through the 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments, purging it of amendments introduced by dictators.
  • Prime Minister Gilani assured the public that the PPP will continue to strive for a peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute through dialogue and peaceful means.
  • The PPP has initiated the observing of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 every year, a day when people from across Pakistan express solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren.
  • The Prime Minister emphasized that the PPP-supported government in Azad Kashmir has held free and fair elections with the participation of all political parties, securing international attention.
  • The PPP won the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan last year with a thumping majority.
  • Prime Minister Gilani expressed his grief over a road accident in the area and announced Rs. 500,000 each for the heirs of the dead and Rs. 100,000 each for the injured.

Statistics:

  • 1973 Constitution: Given by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
  • 18th Constitutional Amendment: Restored the 1973 Constitution
  • 19th Constitutional Amendment: Purged the Constitution of amendments introduced by dictators
  • February 5: Observing Kashmir Solidarity Day
  • 2008 General Elections: The PPP won the elections and formed coalition governments at the center and provinces
  • Rs. 500,000: Announced for the heirs of the dead
  • Rs. 100,000: Announced for the injured

Sources:

  • Press Information Department (PID)
  • Haji Ahmed Malik, Principal Information Officer, PID