Pakistan PM rejects threat of military coup

Islamabad: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday rejected rumours about a change of the government in Pakistan, saying that the ruling coalition led by his party and the parliament would protect democracy.

Gilani described the rumours about a change in the political dispensation as mere speculation. The government and the parliament had obtained the mandate of the people through elections, he said.

"We have come (to power) through elections. We have the mandate. There is a coalition government and whatever is to happen, it would be through the parliament. Technocracy is not acceptable," Gilani told a group of Islamabad-based foreign media representatives this evening.

There is no danger of another spell of dictatorship in Pakistan as the people paid a huge price to bring back democracy, he said. The constitution of 1973 has been restored with the support of all political parties, he added.

"All the 442 members of parliament, including the National Assembly and the Senate, voted for bringing back the 1973 constitution. And they are here to protect the constitution, Gilani said.

Speculation about a change of government was sparked by Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain s recent comments urging army generals to take "martial law-like" action against corrupt politicians and feudal lords.

Responding to a question about Hussain's remarks, Gilani said the MQM chief had already clarified that he had not talked about the imposition of martial law.

"There is a parliament and democracy in the country and every Member of Parliament will protect democracy," he said.

Gilani listed the unanimous approval of the 18th constitutional amendment, the National Finance Commission award, granting of more autonomy to the province and giving rights to Gilgit-Baltistan as the major achievements of the democratic government.

There can be differences of opinion among political parties as they have their own manifestoes, but as far as the democracy is concerned "we are together", he said.

Gilani also said he has the support of parliament and takes guidance from lawmakers, who "will not like the system to collapse".