By NNN-Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani urged militants to lay down arms for dialogue with his new government.
“Unfortunately, some people have adopted violence as the source of expression of their opinion. As the democracy has now started, I urge all those people to give up the way of violence and join us in the democratic journey. We are ready to hold talks with all those who lay down arms and adopt the path of peace,” Gilani said in his first policy statement after a confidence vote.
Earlier the National Assembly, lower house of the parliament, unanimously gave vote of confidence to Gilani after all the opposition groups extended their support.
“Restoration of peace and end to terrorism is our first priority. War on terrorism is our own war, as a large number innocent children and innocent youth have martyred in the country,” Gilani said.
He said that tribal regions had been backward for a long time and comprehensive social, economic and political reforms were needed as poverty and illiteracy had promoted terrorism in the areas.
“We will give a special package to the tribal areas to deal with these problems that will be one of the bases of our anti-terror policy,” he said.
He announced an end to the British-era Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) laws in the tribal regions, under which the decisions in the areas were being decided by the local authorities which could not be challenged in any court.
Gilani said that Pakistan was passing through a difficult time and the nation was facing a lot of challenges.
“But I am not worried of the challenges. With the grace of Allah Almighty we will deal with all the challenges,” he said.
On other issues, Gilani said that Pakistan would follow the independent foreign policy of maintaining relations with all nations on an equality basis.
He said that Pakistan would have good relations with the United States, the European Union, Islamic states and neighboring countries. He said that his government would also have good relations with Afghanistan as peace in the neighboring country would have good impact on Pakistan.
He specially mentioned China as the time-tested friend of Pakistan and said that the relations would further grow in the future.
Gilani announced lifting of ban on student and labor unions and said that the government was committed to ensuring the freedom of the media and independence of judiciary.
Gilani also announced a cut of 40 percent in expenses of the Prime Minister Secretariat, use of 1600-cc car for ministers and use of economy-plus ticket for domestic travel.
He directed to put an end to use of additional lights on government buildings. He said that provision of 10 million energy-saving bulbs would be ensured to save precious energy.