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Monday, May 9, 2011

PM Gilani to warn US of serious consequences if it breaches Pak air space again

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is poised to warn the United States that Islamabad would defend its airspace if America initiates another raid on his country based on 'terrorist hiding' speculations.
The decision came after America's 'uninformed' air raids on Osama bin Laden's hideout in Abbottabad, caused humiliation to Pakistan, The Telegraph reports.
"The Prime Minister will say that the United States should not have bypassed Pakistan. We have made a huge contribution in fighting terrorism. We've arrested close to 100 al-Qaeda people, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed," a senior government source close to Gilani, said.
"We'll take appropriate action if any further violation takes place. We will defend our air space by any means we have," he added.
Gilani would reportedly say that America's decision to launch the raid without consulting Islamabad had disturbed the military and political relations between the two countries.
It has been reported that Pakistan's Air Chief would establish a committee of inquiry into the air warning failures, which allowed American helicopters to fly undetected near the military establishment in Abbottabad.
"The Army is very much hurt. There was an understanding to continue our co-operation in the war on terrorism and then in the following weeks they did this. It shows how much they trust us. The Americans think they can do whatever they want, but the Pakistan people are full of hate for them," the government source said.
Gilani is also expected to announce his own inquiry and to consult opposition leaders about the future of Pakistan's relationship with the United States. (ANI)