No chances of mid-term elections: PM

Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has categorically stated that no mid-term elections would be held in the country and the government would complete its five years tenure. Talking to media men after inaugurating the 225 MW Orient Power Plant at Baloki District Kasur on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that by-elections would be held on vacant seats. The premier said: "The incumbent government is working according to constitution and it will complete its five years term". On relations with the judiciary, the Prime Minister said that he has cordial relations with the judiciary and if anyone has doubt it can ask to Chief Justice. Responding to a question, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the current democratic government of PPP does not believe in political vendetta, adding there is no political prisoner in the country. On extension of services of Chief of Army Staff, the prime minister said that he has to take the decision and there is no need to worry. On Pak-India relations in context with recently held Pak-India foreign ministers' level talks, he said : "Pakistan wants continuation of dialogue with its neighbor (India) as it is in the interest of both the countries". He said that all outstanding issues would be discussed with India. On fake degree issue, the premier said that Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) would be invited very soon for meeting. "I called Education Minister on the issue as the government wants the matter to be solved quickly", added the PM. The Prime Minister said: "He is not defending anyone on fake degree issue". On menace of terrorism, Gilani said that no talks would be held with terrorists as they are not human beings. Condemning the murder of Former Senator Habib Jalib , he said that Chief Minister Balochistan asked to hold judicial inquiry into the incident. Earlier addressing the ceremony the Prime Minister said after Attock Power, Atlas Power, Nishat Power and Korangi Combined Cycle Power Plant it is the fifth IPP which is being launched within a short span of one and half years in our country. It is a matter of complacency that the power generated through this plant will provide the cheapest source of power to the system, that is, at a cost of approximately Rs. 5.5 kilo watt per hour. He said it is the government's vision to double the power generation capacity of the country within the next ten years by initiating programs and projects that could add a minimum of 20,000 MW by the year 2020. This "20,000 MW addition by 2020 program" will comprise 6000 MW on hydro; 6000 MW on coal; 5000 MW on gas, 1000 MW on Naptha and other indigenous fuels and the remainder 2000 MW from alternative energy resources, especially solar and wind. We will ensure maximum efficiency gains in our generation, transmission and distribution systems, he said. "Our Government has taken many short, medium and long - term measures to overcome power shortages - and amongst its medium term proposals to tide over power crisis is to set up Independent Power Plants (IPPs) that certainly would boost national power grid for provision of uninterrupted power supply to all segments of our society", the PM said.

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