Gilani resolves to launch "jihad" against corruption in Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 2(ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has expressed his government's resolve to launch a "jihad" against corruption in 2011.

"It is our resolve for the new year to launch "jihad" against corruption. I have talked to Nawaz Sharif so that we can adopt the accountability bill with consensus. And it is done in a way that nobody can raise a finger on it," the Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying in a television show.

He said that most of the governments in the past, including the two tenures each of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as well as the Junejo government (1985-88), faced corruption charges and were even removed.

"But with an active judiciary and parliament as well as a vibrant media in the country, there is a hell of difference between now and then," he added.

During the show, Gilani responded to live calls and questions from the public, most of which were related to the problems of common man and the government's policies to tackle various challenges.

The PML-N had been playing the role of a responsible opposition, he said, adding that the government would go forward, having its working relationship with all opposition parties.

The PM stressed that the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) remained in the coalition for three years and never had any complaint. The government would continue making efforts to bring JUI chief Fazlur Rehman back into the coalition fold, he added.

Gilani also acknowledged that the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) had some reservations, and that they had conveyed the same to him and President Asif Ali Zardari during separate meetings.

In response to a question about growing inflation in Pakistan, he attributed the trend to global recession, the war against terror as well as the impact of recent floods.

Gilani also said the issue of Balochistan was very important, and after coming into power, the government had got the Baloch leadership released.

"I assure the nation that in the New Year, it is my resolve to mainly focus on Balochistan issue," he added. (ANI)