Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has held out an assurance that the government would follow a foreign policy that serves the interests of the country.
Addressing a news conference here, he said Pakistan wants to maintain excellent relations with all its neighbors including India, Afghanistan, and Iran.
He said Pakistan is also striving to maintain excellent relations with the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia.
Replying to a question, he said terrorism is a global phenomenon and
the world community will have to make coordinated efforts to address
the problem regionally and globally and PM pointed out that the United
States has confirmed his killing in an attack on Friday.
About a list of terrorists that the United States has supposedly
given to Pakistan, he said there is intelligence sharing between ISI
and CIA and the list, if any, must be related to Al-Qaeda.
He said the United States is concerned about top leadership and commanders of Al-Qaeda and we too have concerns because we cannot allow use of our soils for terrorist activities against any third country.
He said the United States is concerned about top leadership and commanders of Al-Qaeda and we too have concerns because we cannot allow use of our soils for terrorist activities against any third country.
To another question, he said the government believes in freedom of
the press and independent judiciary and provision of protection to
media persons is its top priority and he was determined to implement
every item contained in Aghaz Haqoon-e-Balochistan Package.
Gilani said the next meeting of the Federal Cabinet would be held in
Quetta and its single point agenda would be developmental activities in
the provinces, adding that he has given directions to Federal
Ministers, parliamentarians and members of the provincial assemblies to
ensure their greater presence in Balochistan.
He added that one Minister would visit Quetta every week for
intensified interaction with the provincial government in resolving
problems of the province. He said he himself would also be visiting
Quetta every month.
The Prime Minister said he would direct Minister for Water and Power
and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources to visit the province
and sort out problems relating to electricity and exploitation of
natural resources.
To a question, he said the provincial autonomy has been strengthened
by 18th constitutional amendment and NFC award under which smaller
provinces have received more resources and powers, adding that the
government is resolved to address the issue of sense of deprivation by
increasing job opportunities in Balochistan.
He said as per commitment, the government has started withdrawing
army from some areas replacing it with FC and instructions have been
given to give representation to the province in corporations.
He said that the number has reduced from previously six thousand to
only 38 and the government would fully cooperate with the judiciary in
reducing it further. SANA
