'Memogate' scandal cannot derail Pak Govt: Gilani

Islamabad, Nov 25(ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said any scandal cannot derail the government, and those targeting the latter would be disappointed.

He added free, fair and transparent elections would be held, as scheduled in 2013.

Gilani also rejected the claim that the US Navy Seals raid resulting in former Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden on May 2 had put the government on the tenterhooks.

He further said the government would not seek external assistance to counter any threat, and declared a fair trial on the 'memogate' scandal as a priority.

"If there were in any threat to the government, we would have looked towards people of Pakistan rather than seeking help from outside," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

He said he sought former ambassador to US Husain Haqqani's resignation to ensure impartial and fair probe into the scandal.

Gilani said the Pakistan Government believes in democracy and is working within the constitutional and legal framework.

He rejected claims that the Pakistan military had given a green signal for the appointing Sherry Rehman as Pakistan's ambassador to the US.

Gilani appreciated Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif's statement that Senate elections should be held on time, and promised to abide by his suggestion.

"Honestly speaking, it will not be easy for anyone to run the government in the face of present challenges. We are taking forward democracy in a positive manner, in very difficult circumstances," Gilani further said. (ANI)