News
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
No compromise on minimum deterrence: PM* Gilani says Pakistan believes in regional cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Despite financial constraints, the government will not compromise on maintaining a credible minimum deterrence and will meet all requirements of its defense forces, said Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday.
Talking to Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar at the PM House, Gilani said the world had recognised the critical role that Pakistan played in the war against terrorism.
"A number of countries have offered to provide defense equipment to Pakistan to enable its security forces to effectively combat terrorism," he said.
Congratulating the Defense Ministry on the induction of new F-16 fighter jets, Gilani said the new fighters would enhance Pakistan's defense capabilities.
Regional cooperation:
In a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the prime minister said that Pakistan was keen to enhance regional cooperation for the socio-economic development of South Asia.
The PM stressed that long-standing issues must be resolved through dialogue. Referring to the recently concluded South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) interior ministers' meeting, the prime minister expressed the confidence that the event would pave way for regional peace and security.
"Necessity for international support to socio-economic change in the region through reforms has been felt even at the recent G8 meeting in Canada," he said.
During the meeting, Qureshi briefed the prime minister about the foreign secretary-level talks between Pakistan and India, as well as the visit of the Afghan foreign minister to Pakistan.
MNA Faryal Talpur also called on Gilani at his chamber at the Parliament House on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Gilani stressed that the government was committed to completing development projects in all areas of the country.
Gilani on Monday said that government is determined to ensure the completion of development projects despite scarcity of resources since these directly benefit the common people.
"The standard of living of people would be gradually improved due to sustained economic policies of the government," the PM said.
He also appreciated the role played by women in the economy. Speaking on the occasion, Talpur informed the PM about the ongoing development projects in her constituency.
In a separate meeting with Senator Raza Rabbani, the PM said that the restoration of the 1973 constitution would bring good-governance to the country. He said that the devolution of political and economic power through the National Finance Commission Award and the 18th amendment would strengthen the provincial governments and help them focus on socio-economic development of their people. The Federal Government on its part would continue to focus on national policies and supplement the development efforts from within the available resources.
He urged Rabbani, who is the chairman of Constitutional Implementation Committee, to ensure the implementation of all constitutional amendments within the shortest possible time.
"The amendments will strengthen the democratic process and make the provinces more autonomous," the PM said
Senator Rabbani congratulated the PM on the unanimous adoption of the resolution passed by the house for retaining the name of Benazir Income Support Programme. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk