Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has once again dismissed the impression of civilian government’s clash with military leadership over the memogate scandal, saying that he declared army statements illegal under ‘specific circumstances’. Speaking to the media at Chaklala airport before heading to the World Economic Forum, Gilani said that his statement on Army Chief and  DG ISI responses to the court being ‘unconstitutional and unlawful’ were given in a particular situation, but now the situation is clear.
“I want to dispel the impression that the military leadership acted unconstitutionally or violated rules,” said Gilani, according to state television.
He added that he wants to clarify that the statement was given in a particular context and it does not hold any importance now. There was a clash of institutions at that time, but now there isn’t.
On January 10, Gilani gave an interview to a Chinese newspaper where in he stated that Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and DG ISI  had not been given approval by the ‘competent authorities’ – in other words the government – before submitting their responses in the Memogate case.
About the World Economic Forum meeting, the  prime minister said the forum provides an important platform to discuss economic issues and promote cooperation among different countries.
He said during his stay in Davos, he will also host a reception for the participants of the economic forum for closer interaction with them to find out ways of promoting greater cooperation with different countries.
Gilani said that on the sidelines of the moot he will also meet world leaders to discuss global economic issues.  He will also participate in interactive session on Climate and share Pakistan's experience of handling natural disasters.
Responding to a question, the prime minister said that despite global recession, Pakistan's economic growth has witnessed an increase.
About forty heads of state and government besides leading businessmen from around the world will attend the annual World Economic Forum in Davos. The theme of this year's moot is : "The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models".
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh are accompanying the Prime Minister.