PESHAWAR, 2nd October 2025:
Acting President of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, on Thursday called for political unity and collective decision-making while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening democracy and the federation. Speaking at a joint press conference here alongside the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Gilani stressed that national policies must be made through consultation and consensus rather than unilateral action.
He said that his visit to the historic city was part of his desire to meet both party leaders and opposition members, emphasizing that his political role connects him with the entire country rather than a single province. He reaffirmed that all provinces were receiving funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and recalled that the 7th NFC Award was announced in Gawadar during his tenure as Prime Minister, a milestone, he said, in strengthening provincial rights.
Underscoring the importance of democracy, the Acting President said that difference of opinion was the true spirit of democratic practice. He pledged that the government would continue to function strictly within the bounds of the Constitution. Referring to constitutional reforms under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Gilani noted that his government had abolished Article 58(2)(b), which empowered the President to dissolve assemblies, and also ended the two-term bar on holding the office of Prime Minister with a view to stabilize the democratic process. On the issue of new provinces, he explained that such matters must be decided through constitutional procedures, citing the example of the Punjab Assembly’s resolution in favor of creating a South Punjab province.
Recalling his own time in government, he said PPP had carried out military operations to restore peace and successfully resettled displaced families within 90 days. Gilani urged all political parties to set aside differences and work together for peace and stability.He confirmed that leaders of the PPP and the PML-N had recently met for political consultations, while rejecting attempts to pit one political party against another. He said his party would continue to strengthen its presence in KP, highlighting the sacrifices PPP leaders and workers had made for democracy.
The Acting President praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as a young and dynamic leader who was effectively managing his responsibilities. He recalled that Bilawal had represented Pakistan’s stance at the international level when India carried out aggression, saying that his leadership reflected the future of Pakistan’s democratic movement.
He also paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari, crediting him for transferring presidential powers to Parliament in a landmark step to strengthen democracy.