News
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
India visit in national interest: PM
* Gilani says visit a golden opportunity for both nations to demonstrate to world that they can play together and deliberate on issues of national importance
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday he accepted invitation of the Indian prime minister to watch cricket semi-final between Pakistan and India at Mohali in the national interest.
“I have decided to avail this opportunity in the national interest,” Gilani told the cabinet that was convened two days ahead of schedule to discuss his visit to India.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited President Asif Ali Zardari and Gilani to watch the ICC World Cup semi-final between the two arch-rivals.
The two leaders are expected to discuss whole range of bilateral matters on March 30 before their teams clash at the Mohali Cricket Ground.
The prime minister thanked his Indian counterpart for extending an invitation to him. “It is also a golden opportunity for the governments of both the countries to demonstrate it to the world that the two nations could play together and deliberate on the issues of national importance,” he said.
Gilani also condemned the desecration of the holy Quran by Terry Jones and said the heinous act reflected that extremism existed in various societies. “I, on behalf of people, government of Pakistan and my cabinet members, strongly condemn desecration of the holy Quran.”
The prime minister proposed that the Muslims and people belonging to other faiths should come together and promote inter-faith harmony for the sake of future generations.
He stressed the need for replacing the concept of clash of civilisations by one that builds bridges and promotes tolerance.
He apprised the cabinet that the government had decided to register protest at all international forums on the desecration and suggested to parliament to pass a unanimous resolution against the incident. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk