By NNN-APP,
Gilgit : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday stressed the need to shunning sectarianism in the country and said political maturity could help calm such rifts among the cross-section of people.
He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Peoples Party members while referring to the recent clashes in Gilgit that claimed lives.
Gilani said sectarianism should not be fanned at any cost and urged the party members to play their role in developing peaceful situation in the area through political maturity.
“We should rise above caste, sect and creed and only follow the objectives of democracy,” he said adding, democracy gives assurance of freedom to practice any religion or sect.
Gilani also mentioned that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto always issued party tickets to the members regardless of sectarian basis.
He said similar pattern would be followed while issuing tickets to the PPP members for the upcoming election in Gilgit Baltistan.
He said strength and cohesion within the party could help control any differences and asked the members to try to resolve their issues at party forum.
The Prime Minister said party’s parliamentary board under the chair of Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari after he returns to country, would decide about issuing tickets to the PPP candidates.
“We want the people of Gilgit Baltistan to take responsibility in running affairs of their area and take decisions at their own for their uplift,” he said.
Gilani asked the party members to work for making PPP strong which will ultimately strengthen the government.
“My priority is to discipline the party, which can run with leadership and consensus,” he added.
He also stressed the need for training of party members and rejected the idea of conducting training under external influence which could be misused in pursuing the foreign agenda.
He mentioned a model in Germany, where funds for training are allocated for the political parties in proportion to their seats won in the parliament.
“We are considering to adopt the same method of budget allocation for training of all parties whether PPP or PML(N),” he said.
He said he would direct the party leaders to visit Gilgit Baltistan and give lectures to the party members in order to train them on various matters.
“We have given you the new system of autonomy and now it is your responsibility to make it successful for your own benefit,” he said.
The delegation apprised the Prime Minister about various issues regarding the party in Gilgit Baltistan.
Acting Governor Gilgit Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira was also present.