ISLAMABAD: PM Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that the Pak-USA relations
were a bit off-track, and passing through a critical testing phase.
Addressing
the 236th Independence Day (04th July) of USA at the American embassy,
and talking to media afterwards, he said that both countries enjoyed
long-term relationships, and deeply respected each other; while he also
cited the dire need for better mutual, bilateral understanding, as both
countries were passing through rigorous testing times.
He also
praised America for assisting Pakistan during all critical junctures,
such as historically disastrous floods, and 2005 earthquake, and said
that Pak-USA strategic relationship would be maintained at all times to
come.
Meanwhile referring to the latest political developments
on the home front politics, the PM brushed aside any concerns about the
proposed Grand alliance of opposition parties, as being of least
concern to the government.
Welcoming grand alliance as a
gateway to good governance in Country due to pressure on government, he
said that PPPP had never deserted its coalition partners, not it had
ever closed its doors to talks with others
He said that
democracy had strengthened in the Country, while steps were underway to
combat the menace of terrorism, which was of imperative consequence;
since Pakistan had suffered the brunt of terrorism with massive
sacrifices.
Addressing the event, the American ambassador to
Pakistan said that PAK-USA were passing through some very hard and
testing times, but expressed America’s deep hopes that both countries
would withstand these temporary tremors.
He said that no one
could face the prevalent challenges single handedly, and joint efforts
were needed to tackle the situation, in order to ensure better times
for coming generations.
The American ambassador declared
Pakistan as an important ally, with whom cooperation would be
maintained at all times to come.
He also impressed the fact
that all religions did have freedom of worship in Quaid-e-Azam’s
Pakistan, while sacrifices by various Pakistani elements were a witness
to these phenomena.
Ministers, high-ranking officials and a large number of dignitaries, and diplomats also attended the event. Online