PM Gilani rejects his wife benefited from NRO

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said that he would resign from the premiership, if corruption allegations against his wife proved. Talking to media in Islamabad after Journalist Award 2009, he said that it is not Americas war, it is our war. A small number of terrorists are trying to destabilize the country. He said that President Zardari took him into confidence on President Obamas letter. He revealed that the letter did not include do more demands, and it is the time the US should do more for Pakistan. He said that we dont have substantial resources for war against terrorism but we are committed to get rid of this menace. He said that the nation is united against terrorism. He lauded the sacrifices of security forces for the safety of the country. He said that hideouts of terrorists have been captured or destroyed and we are talking to other countries to enhance the capabilities of our forces in this war. He said that terrorists are targeting innocent people and children. He said that discussion with all the parties were held on Balochistan package and all the parties were taken into confidence on it. Answering a query on report of Transparency International about rising corruption in Pakistan, the PM said that a committee has been constituted to look into the matter. Talking about Gilgit-Baltistan, he said that present government has given autonomy to the region, now the region can elect its own chief minister and governor. BackgroundTwo cases of nonpayment against First Lady Fauzia Gilani were withdrawn on request of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 4, 2009. Fauzia Gilani was accused in two cases of taking Rs 71 million and Rs 100 million loans from ZTBL separately in 1987 and not paying it back. Govt firm to address environmental challenges: PM GilaniPrime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the countrys environmental challenges were costing Rs 365 billion to the national exchequer and said the government was fully aware of this situation while making concerted efforts for meeting this challenge. Addressing at the distribution ceremony of Green Journalists Awards, the Prime Minister said with such damage to the exchequer, the developing country like Pakistan was losing one billion rupees daily due to environmental problems. Gilani said many environmental issues faced serious challenges including air pollution, water contamination, land degradation, industrial or vehicular pollution, waste generation or poor disposal system, deforestation and climate change. He mentioned there was a long way to ensure cleaner environment for the present and coming generations, and added that the government alone could not meet this gigantic task until every Pakistani fulfills his responsibility. He said enhancing forest covered area is an enormous challenge as air pollution level in the country was four to five times higher than the WHO prescribed standards. He mentioned the progress in sanitation sector, as Pakistan was leading the regional countries in overall sanitation cover. He said though a large segment of the society still waited this facility, Pakistan had been acknowledged as the top country with sanitation cover at SACOSAN-III in New Delhi last year. The Prime Minister said another worth mentioning project was the Clean Drinking Water for All initiative under which the government would be installing water treatment plants at Union Council level.Recently the Cabinet has approved the first ever Drinking Water Policy for the country.He said the government was also committed towards cleaner air and had started the Clean Air Project as well.