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Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said Pakistan will counter any negative trend, through all appropriate means attempts at undermining the strategic stability of the region. Addressing the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) meeting at the PM House Islamabad, Gilani said strategic stability in South Asia was a pre-requisite for enduring peace and prosperity for the people of the region.We are mindful of the policies and trends that could undermine strategic stability in our region. Pakistan will be obliged to counter such negative trends by all appropriate means. The Prime Minister said no one should underestimate the strong resolve of the people, political leadership and the defence forces to protect honor, dignity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Pakistan.He said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and vowed that We will continue to endeavor to promote peace, security and stability in our region.Gilani said all state institutions were determined to work in unison for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, with the full support of the nation. The strength and resilience of our nation has been tested before. I have no doubt that at this particular juncture with Grace of Almighty Allah, we shall overcome all transient challenges and emerge even stronger and victorious. Prime Minister called for the need to review the ongoing counter-terrorism and law enforcement actions.He appreciated the people and the government of Pakistan for the exceptional valour, patriotism, and professionalism of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, police and other agencies that were at the forefront in counter-terrorism.Our armed forces and law enforcement personnel continue to render exemplary services and our nation will never forget their heroic sacrifices, he said.I wish to assure you that the whole nation stands firmly united in support of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.He said the government convened All Parties Conference to develop complete national consensus to defeat militancy and terror. Our political leadership has shown that it is united in war against terror.He said over the recent months considerable success has been achieved against terrorists and militants. Law enforcement actions in Swat, Malakand, FATA and most notably in South Waziristan have been executed with precision and in record time.He said Pakistan has utilized its own national capacity to execute the counter terror campaign and said the success of these efforts stand out in sharp contrast to what the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan have been able to achieve over the past nine years.Gilani said Pakistan has also utilized its own capacity to care for the millions affected by terrorism. He said the exemplary unity, solidarity and generous hospitality of our people were critical to our success in enabling the dislocated persons to return to their homes in a short time. He said rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance was being provided and essential services being restored. Those dislocated by ongoing operations will be enabled to return to their homes soon.I wish to express my profound gratitude to the people of Pakistan for responding generously to my appeal for contributions.He said Rs. 2.4 billion were deposited in the Prime Ministers Special Fund for Relief of Victims of Terrorism. We also appreciate the solidarity and support of the international community for our efforts to help the dislocated persons.He said Rs. 10.2 billion were released to NWFP government during the past six months as cash grant for food and Relief & Rehabilitation. Additionally, Rs. 2.56 billion have been released for South Waziristan. These funds are being utilized for cash assistance, relief and rehabilitation in a very transparent manner.Separately, Rs. 7.1 billion to the NWFP Government for law and order capacity building as well as for compensation payments. He said it was the first installment of the total of Rs. 25 billion allocated for LEAs capacity building. Rs. 332 million have been given to the Interior Ministry for meeting essential security related expenses.He said a total of Rs. 20.2 billion has been sanctioned during the last six months for the aforementioned purposes. The total allocation from budget for relief, rehabilitation and capacity building was Rs. 50 billion. Prime Minister said for the reconstruction phase, the first step i.e. Damage Needs Assessment has been completed with the help of World Bank and Asian Development Bank. This was a pre-requisite for moving to the next stage of operationalizing the Malakand strategy already approved by the Friends of Democratic Pakistan. The government is determined to complete this phase also on fast track, he added. Our hearts go out in sympathy and solidarity with the families of those who fell victim to acts of terrorism. The enormous civilian casualties have not dented our spirit but only further fortified our resolve to defeat terrorism. Prime Minister Gilani said to look after the affected families, I have decided to contribute an amount of Rs. 500 million for Shuhada Trust Fund and additionally Rs. 50 million for each province has also been allocated for Shuhada Trust Fund.He said in recognition of the sacrifices rendered by the Armed Forces, despite resource constraints, the government has already announced a pay increase of defence services. The impact of this pay increase will be an additional amount of Rs. 46 billion annually. Defence needs and requirements will continue to receive our utmost attention.He said Pakistan for over three decades shouldered the burden of 3.5 million Afghan refugees. We continue to be directly impacted by the conflict in Afghanistan. Restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan, is a matter of direct and legitimate interest to Pakistan. We will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
