ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Tuesday said democracy was the best system to combat terrorism and urged the US to support government’s endeavours in stabilizing its economy and improve living standard of the people. These views were expressed by Prime Minister in his meetings with two separate delegations comprising US Senators and members of House of Representatives at the PM House.
The delegations comprised Senator Ben Nelson, Congressman Adam Schiff, Congressman Allyson Schwarz, and Congressman Wayne Gilch and US Ambassador in Pakistan Ms. Anne Patterson.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan values its strategic relationship with the US and desires to further expand its cooperation in trade, investment, economic and social sectors.
He urged the US to provide greater market access to Pakistani products in the US.
The Prime Minister termed terrorism a global phenomenon and a great threat to humanity that has ruined economic development and global peace. The world community, he said has to develop a collective approach to arrest the trend of terrorism and extremism by addressing its root causes.
Gilani stressed the need for increased intelligence sharing between the two countries to address the issue effectively and urged the Senators to ensure early passage of legislation pertaining to the ROZs.
The Prime Minister said his government pursuing a three-pronged strategy against terrorism will go for a political dialogue with moderate elements that have renounced war and laid down arms.
Besides he said, the government was focussing on economic uplift, empowerment of tribal areas through establishment of ROZs while continuing its campaign against extremists and terrorists. Pakistan believes in a varying combination to eventually help achieve the common objective, he added.
Gilani recalling the recent general election said the people of Pakistan have given a clear mandate in favour of the moderate and democratic forces who formed coalition governments both at the center and in the provinces which augers well for strengthening all state institutions and democracy.
While appreciating Pakistan’s efforts in countering extremism and terrorism, the members of the delegation said the relations of the United States with Pakistan and its people were very important and expressed desire by the US for developing a stable and multi-faceted relationship with Pakistan.
The members of the delegation apprised the Prime Minister that there were ample opportunities to further expand their ties in economic, trade, defence and counter terrorism areas.
They expressed the confidence that the US law makers would be keen to work with the democratic government in Pakistan.
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