LAHORE Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani says the ruling PPP is ready to work with all political forces for the sake of countrys progress. In an interview with Sunday Plus magazine of TheNation (being published today), the prime minister said his government would continue to pursue the policy of reconciliation. Our basic objective, as per our manifesto, is the welfare of the common people. When suggested that the PPP was an unwanted ally of the PML-N in the Punjab government and it had no role in policy-making, Mr Gilani said: The major agenda of the government is to create an atmosphere of understanding for the smooth functioning of the governments both at the federal and provincial level. We had joined the coalition government in Punjab with the same spirit. As far as policy-making is concerned the leaderships of both the PPP and PML-N have maintained contacts and have consulted each other from time to time on all major issues of the country. He ducked the question that replacement of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer could help improve relations between the PPP and the PML-N. As for statements made by leaders of the two parties against each other, the prime minister said it was part of the political process which also served to communicate with the party workers. The political climate in Punjab indicates that we are passing through a transition phase of learning to work in a coalition government. About MQM Chief Altaf Hussains stay in self-imposed exile in London for security reasons, Mr Gilani said Mr Hussain was a free citizen and he is free to take his own decisions. The coalition government, he said, was already providing necessary security to all the leaders of Pakistan who are under any sort of threat. The request for security from MQM leadership as and when received would be dealt accordingly. Asked about the possibility of a uniform system of local elections across the country, he said: There is very important forum of Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee of the Council of Common Interest which accords opportunity to the federal and provincial governments to develop uniformity of views on any issue. This matter can also be discussed there, if required. He said in case of consensus, a uniform system of local governments can be evolved for all the federating units. He refuted the impression that government was not trusted by foreign institutions in financial matters. Certain elements are attempting to damage the governments image. Help and assistance extended by various countries and the international financial institutions involving various government departments for disbursement of aid to the flood affectees is an example that these perceptions are baseless. In response to another question, the prime minister said international financial crunch, devastating floods, damage caused to standing crops and war on terror were the main causes which had had a negative impact on Pakistans economic progress. However the governments financial team is working tirelessly to improve the overall economic situation in the country with particular focus to give relief to the down trodden segments of the society. The prime minister claimed that the PPP government had honoured more than 80 per cent of the promises made to the people of Pakistan. Asked why had the government failed to arrest the elements Ms Benazir Bhutto had said would be responsible in case she was killed, the prime minister said the matter was pending before a court which was in the process of fixing responsibility. It is better to wait for the verdict. When suggested that despite the 18th amendment all powers were being exercised by the president, Mr Gilani said: This is again an attempt by certain elements to create misperceptions. I as prime minister have excellent working relations with the president as defined in the Constitution. He refuted the impression that Pakistans relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran were not as warm as they used to be. He said: Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran as brotherly Islamic countries. Saudi Arabia was the first country that I visited after taking over as prime minister and had excellent meeting with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Secondly, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was the first head of state of any country to visit Pakistan after the present government came into power.