Pakistan will not compromise on nuclear program, sovereignty: Gilani

Pakistan

Pakistan will not compromise on nuclear program, sovereignty: Gilani

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14 January,2010 08:13 pm

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday assured the National Assembly to uphold national dignity and not to compromise honor and self respect at any cost. We will never compromise our self respect and dignity. Today even Unites States talk of strategic partnership instead of asking to do more, he said in his speech in the House. Replying to various points raised by the Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, the Prime Minister said, Pakistan believes in bilateral relations with other nations on basis of understanding, honor and dignity. We would not take any decision that harms our sovereignty and national pride. We have repeatedly told United States that we need trade not the aid, under FTA and GSP plus. We do not desire to survive on aid, he said. The Prime Minister also assured the House not to compromise on nuclear program and said, minutes of National Command and Control Authority meeting make it amply clear that Pakistan cannot accept regional imbalance. If India is given civil nuclear facility why Pakistan can be denied or imposed restriction, he said. He said Pakistan has relations with United States since last 60 years that witnessed many ups and downs like Pressler and Brown amendments and most of time diplomacy worked.The Prime Minister said Pakistan is well aware that US cannot win war in Afghanistan without Pakistan. We know our importance and position. No war can be won in Afghanistan without us. He described the screening of Pakistanis as humiliating and against our self respect and said, we condemn it.Like in the past, today again, with your power, we are using diplomatic channels to raise this issue that we believe is against our dignity.Commenting on drone attacks, the Prime Minister said, these attacks had proved to be counter-productive and the world has accepted our stance.This is our war and drone attacks are having serious implications. They should be avoided, he added. Gilani said Pakistan has its own military and political strategy to fight terrorism and we have repeatedly asked Americans to share credible intelligence, if any, and defence cooperation with us and we shall take action.He said Friends of Pakistan have also tried to convince United States to stop drone attacks. United States had a trust deficit with previous governments and see everybody suspiciously. On Dr Afia case, the Prime Minister said, he had raised that matter with every US visiting delegation. I have asked them that even her release will have more impact than the aid provided to Pakistan.Gilani said, he was continuously in touch and Dr Afia was provided legal assistance. He said today there is no political prisoner or mediaperson in jails as we do not believe in political victimization.We take criticism positively. We take it as our guidance. With your support we shall raise the issues more effectively, he said.The Prime Minister reassured the House not to compromise on national sovereignty and integrity and said, we shall do only what shall be in our supreme national interest.