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PM does not rule out expansion of military offensive : President ready to relinquish powers: Gilani

* PM says not interested in powers under Article 58(2b)
* Rules out change in NWFP governor’s office

By Irfan Ghauri

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: President Asif Ali Zardari is ready to relinquish the powers to appoint services chiefs and dissolve parliament under Article 58(2b) of the constitution, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday.

The prime minister made the comments while addressing reporters during a visit to DI Khan, where he met internally displaced persons (IDPs) from South Waziristan. “The president is already willing to give up these powers,” he said.

Asked about a timeframe for the introduction of constitutional amendments empowering parliament and the chief executive, Gilani said, “We should hold a candid discussion on this subject ... the services chiefs have already been appointed, and no new appointment is in the offing.”

Not interested: However, the prime minister said he was “not interested in acquiring these powers”. “What would I do when I have the authority under Article 58(2b) ... I am not here to dissolve the assemblies.”

Asked why he had not visited the battlefront in South Waziristan to boost the morale of the forces, Gilani said, “I visit and go to places where I am asked to. I have come here ... I was asked to visit Swat and I went there.”

No change: Gilani ruled out a change in the NWFP governor’s office, saying, “You cannot change (your) general in the middle of war.” He did not rule out expansion of a military offensive against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, but refused to divulge the government’s future plans – saying such decisions were kept secret to take the enemy by surprise.

About India’s alleged involvement in the unrest in FATA, Gilani said India was not ready to hold talks with Pakistan and the composite dialogue process was already stalled, but once the formal channels reopened, the government would certainly take up the matter with the Indian government.

The prime minister said he was satisfied with the progress of the military offensive in South Waziristan, and said that objectives were being achieved ahead of time.

Addressing a gathering of notables from the Mehsud tribe, Gilani said terrorism stemmed from poverty and illiteracy. He said the government was, therefore, working to provide basic facilities in the Tribal Areas.

Gilani said an overwhelming majority of the area was peace loving, but terrorists from Uzbekistan, Chechnya and Arab countries had created a situation where the government was forced to use military force. He said the deadline for the registration of IDPs would be extended, and the government would consider increasing the Rs 5,000 monthly compensation for each affected family – as recommended by Mehsud tribesmen.

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