ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that 20th
amendment strengthened the integrity of nation and also ensured holding
of next general elections, sans any reservations.
Congratulating
the nation over approval of 20th amendment by Senate, in his address to
the Senate meeting, he, also congratulated the nation over
strengthening of democracy in country, and while lauding the 1973
Constitution, evolved in the aftermath of East Pakistan tragedy, and
(constitution) guaranteed provincial autonomy.
Applauding
parliamentary committee over 18th, 19th and 20th amendments, he said
that these amendments had rectified past mistakes and also said that the
past tradition of ‘importing PMs with dictatorial mindset had ceased
forthwith, as any future PM would be voted-in through consensus with
opposition leaders.
He also said that absolute powers of
President had also been curtailed, as the masses had appreciated
annulment of 52-B, and also lambasted dictators for their mutilation of
Constitution, and a hackneyed form of government.
Lauding the
regime for its immense historical legislation, he said that election
results would be accepted by all with open heart.
Referring to Balochistan, he expressed his dire concerns, saying that the issue could not be sidetracked easily.
Earlier,
leader of Senate, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari tabled the 20th amendment
in the House, which was approved with overwhelming majority by 74
against 2 opposed votes of JI’s senators, Professor Ibrahim and
Professor Khurshid. Online
