Updated on
Summary
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday stressed for bridging the trust gap between Pakistan and United States to facilitate fast tracking of development in the militancy affected areas, as it could affect the success of war against terror. Talking to Senator John Kerry, Chairman of US Senate, Foreign Relations Committee, who called on him at the PM House, the Prime Minister said any further delay in the reconstruction phase through Malakand Strategy to rebuild damaged infrastructure would accentuate socio-economic problems of the militancy affected populace. The Prime Minister suggested that in order to improve perceptions attached to the US image in the country, Pakistan should be delisted from amongst the countries whose nationals have been designated for special screening at the US Airports. He also called for implementation of various issues including Dr Aafia Siddiquis repatriation to the country, and Pak-US intelligence sharing and defence cooperation with a joint strategy to transfer drone technology to Pakistan. Referring to India-Pakistan relations, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistans strong commitment to resolve all the core issues between the two countries through peaceful means and composite dialogue. Senator John Kerry said the US has great understanding of difficulties Pakistan is facing and appreciates the human and economic sacrifices made by Pakistan in the process. He agreed with the Prime Minister on the need of fast tracking the development process and hoped that both sides will soon agree on identification of the high visible projects to be undertaken with the US assistance. Senator Kerry expressed the willingness of the US government for facilitating the resumption of the dialogue process in which all the core issues including Kashmir and water disputes can be discussed and resolved by both sides, peacefully. Pakistan looks forward to enhanced bilateral ties with US: Zardari President Asif Ali Zardari has that said Pakistan looks forward to engage more closely with the United States on bilateral political track including strategic dialogue. Talking to US Senator John Kerry on Tuesday, the President stressed the need of channeling it through the government in accordance with its priorities and programmes to ensure transparency, accountability and efficacy. The President also called for early legislation on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and softening of counter-productive labour provision. Pakistan looked forward to enhancement of area as well as product coverage in the ROZs scheme, the President said. He said that ROZs should not be seen as trade concession measures but an effective instrument to quell militancy and extremism and a part of strategic political and economic support framework.US Senator John Kerry was accompanied by US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson and senior officials of the Embassy in Islamabad and US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Minister for Defence Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar, Interior Minister Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Malik Ammad Ahmed Khan, Secretary General Salman Faruqui, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.Senator Kerry assured the President to provide all possible assistance to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan in strengthening democracy, rule of law, sustainable economic development and its capability to effectively take on militants.
