Pakistan not fighting proxy war: Gilani

LAHORE:Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday said that Pakistan was a sovereign country and it was not fighting a proxy war. “ Pakistan is not fighting the war of any other country as the war on terror is in our own interests,” he said while talking to newsmen after the Graduation Ceremony of the 88th National Management Course and the 3rd Senior Management Course here at Administrative Staff College.
He said that he had met with Governor NWFP and other stake holders of tribal areas including representatives of districts hit by militancy and added “ they are as loyal to the country as I am.”
He said the government believes in dialogue and action is a last option to maintain law and order in the tribal areas.
To a question, the Prime Minister said Pakistan was a nuclear state and there was no external threat to the country.
Yousaf Raza Gilani said that people of FATA want development in health, education and economic sectors.
“To bring them into mainstream of national development, talks would be held with them besides initiating development schemes in these areas,” he added.
To a question about his next visit to America, he said Pakistan has bilateral relations with US and America was cooperating with Pakistan in science, health, information technology and education sectors.
“ My visit to US will help strengthen bilateral relations with US,” he added.
He said that Islam is a religion of peace and preaches a message of love adding some handful elements are destroying the image of Islam by carrying out terrorist activities.
“ Our forefathers spread Islam in the subcontinent by message of love and peace,” he added.
To a question, the Prime Minister said that PPP was sincere to restore judges and it was seeking constitutional ways to restore them adding Parliament is a proper forum to resolve the issue.
To another question about Ch Shujaat and Pervaiz Elahi meeting with Asif Ali Zardari, he said that Pervaiz Elahi was leader of opposition and he also gave the vote of confidence to him.
“There are always bridges in the politics but I have no information about any meeting,’ he added.
The prime minister said that he had invited Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazal Rehman and Asfand Yar Wali to discuss issue pertaining to the country.