Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday reiterated that there was no threat to democracy in Pakistan, adding that all institutions including military seek strong democracy in the country.
Talking to media persons in Davos, he said that democratic
institutions would decide parameters of new relationship with the United
States. He said that drone attacks were not beneficial for any cost,
adding that we have never allowed anyone to carry out drone attacks
inside Pakistan.
He said that there was “a trust deficit” between Islamabad and
Washington as he criticized the resumption of US drone strikes on his
country’s tribal belt.
“Drones are counter-productive. We have very ably isolated militants
from the local tribes. When there are drone attacks that creates
sympathy for them again,” Gilani told reporters at the Davos forum.
“It makes the job of the political leadership and the military very difficult. We have never allowed the drone attacks and we have always maintained that they are unacceptable, illegal and counterproductive.”
Relations between the United States and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply over the last year, with Islamabad furious about the surprise deadly raid on al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad last year.
“It makes the job of the political leadership and the military very difficult. We have never allowed the drone attacks and we have always maintained that they are unacceptable, illegal and counterproductive.”
Relations between the United States and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply over the last year, with Islamabad furious about the surprise deadly raid on al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad last year.
The two sides have also been at loggerheads over a US air strike in November in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed.
Gilani said that Pakistan now wanted to agree new rules of engagement with the United States.
Gilani said that Pakistan now wanted to agree new rules of engagement with the United States.
“The unilateral action taken in Abbottabad, which was not liked in
any quarter … We need assurances that such a unilateral action will not
be repeated in the future. There is a trust deficit.”
The prime minister said it was in both countries’ interests to
cooperate as partners and Pakistan had paid a high price at the hands of
militant groups.
“We want to work together and we are fighting against militants and terrorists. We have paid a huge price for that.”
On the subject of neighbours, Gilani said Pakistan wanted good
relation with all negihbouring countries including Afghanistan. He also
mentioned the Kashmir issue in his talk and said that dialogue was the
only possible way to resolve all outstanding issues with India.
He said that democratic institution of Pakistan should be respected.
Dismissing recent reports of a coup by the military, the PM asserted that democracy in Pakistan was not in danger and that fears of clash between state institutions were baseless.
Dismissing recent reports of a coup by the military, the PM asserted that democracy in Pakistan was not in danger and that fears of clash between state institutions were baseless.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was fighting war for
international community. Pakistan has rendered more sacrifices as
compare to any other country, so international community should support
us, he stated.
The premier said that we want good ties with all countries including
India and Afghanistan. He said that Indian prime minister was serious in
resolving issues, added that, Pakistan also wants to resolve all issues
including Kashmir. SANA
