ISLAMABAD, Aug 14: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has called upon all political forces to unite against dictatorship and said his government will work with all democratic parties to make the country a land of peace and justice.

Addressing the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Convention Centre on Thursday, the prime minister said the government believed in supremacy of law and the day was near when the sun of an independent judiciary would rise in its full glory.

“Political forces should join hands to shut the door on dictatorship for ever to give complete autonomy to provinces to make the people the real source of power,” he added. He stressed the need for rebuilding democratic institutions for a stronger and prosperous Pakistan.

He said the government was aware of the problem of missing people. “We are trying to trace them and the ministries of law and interior have been asked to take necessary action.”

He said Pakistan was fighting the war against extremism and terrorism for its own survival. “We will face this challenge with the help of people and will enforce the supremacy of the state.”

The prime minister said that during his visit to the United States he had told the American leadership that the war against terrorism could succeed only if other states also played their role effectively. He categorically stated that Pakistan would never allow any unilateral action on its soil.

He said: “Our leader Benazir Bhutto had raised the voice for the supremacy of judiciary and we will fulfil this commitment. The days of oppression are over. Dictatorship has become a story of the past. We will have to move forward where there is no dictatorship but democracy, no terrorism but peace and tranquillity, no cruelty but justice and no extremism but moderation.”

Mr Gilani said the history of Pakistan was one of struggle for supremacy of the people through political process and establishment of a democratic and welfare society.

The prime minister stressed the need for cleansing Pakistan of prejudices, hatred and terrorism in accordance with the teaching of Quaid-i-Azam. “People’s mandate of Feb 18 has bestowed upon us the honour of serving the nation as a democratic government.”

He said that strengthening defence was a national responsibility and the government was mindful of its duty and had full confidence in the country’s military capabilities and enthusiasm of the people.

He said that during his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Colombo, both countries had agreed to continue the process of improving relationships.

He said Pakistan would continue its efforts for a settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmiri.

He said Pakistan and Afghanistan were facing the challenge of terrorism and separate and collective efforts were required to combat the menace.

He said the Rs34 billion Benazir support programme would be launched next month and about 3.8 million poor families would benefit from it with each family getting Rs1,000 per month.

He said that employees would be given shares in the event of privatisation of a public sector unit.

The prime minister announced a three-month remission in prisoners’ sentence.