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It's not Pak job to protect Nato forces: Gilani
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, vehemently denying US allegations, said Islamabad strongly rejects accusations of complicity with the Haqqani network or of a proxy war.
"The blame game is self-defeating as it will only benefit the enemies of peace. Only terrorists and militants will gain from any fissures and divisions. Pakistan's credentials and sacrifices in the counter-terrorism campaign are impeccable and unquestionable," the prime minister said in a policy statement made at a gathering of ambassadors, diplomats and donors on the occasion of a briefing on the flood situation in Pakistan here on Saturday.
He said the allegations portray a confusion and policy disarray within the US establishment on the way forward in Afghanistan. Clearly, there is concern over the deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan, he said.
Gilani said the recent attacks in Kabul, including on the US Embassy, were disquieting and "we condemn these attacks".
"I was in Kabul recently to convey our condolences and express solidarity with the people and leadership of Afghanistan on the tragic assassination of Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani," he added.
The prime minister said Pakistan cannot be held responsible for the security of Nato/Isaf forces in Afghanistan.
"While there have been terrorist attacks in Kabul and Wardak, there have also been numerous attacks in Pakistan launched from sanctuaries and safe havens in Nooristan and Kunar in Afghanistan," he said.
The prime minister said it was also the responsibility of the Afghan National Army, Nato and Isaf forces not to allow such cross-border militancy.
"Joint operations and coordination are essential. Let's be objective and not get carried away by emotions," he added.
Gilani said in our recent interactions with the United States, including the foreign minister's meeting with the US Secretary of State, as well as at the military and intelligence tracks, we emphasised the need for deeper engagement. However, he added, this can only take place on the basis of mutual respect.
"Let's avoid mutual recrimination and recommit ourselves to working together for eliminating terrorism and for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. Prosperous, stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan," he added.
The prime minister said the recent propaganda blitz against Pakistan was indeed most unfortunate as it vitiated the atmosphere and was counterproductive.
"It tends to ignore the sacrifices by the people of Pakistan and negates all that we have endeavoured to achieve over the last so many years as more than 35,000 Pakistanis have fallen victim to the acts of terrorism and many more have been injured. We have taken resolute action against terrorists and militants. We have done so in our national interest," he added.
The premier said the United States knew very well the full account of large number of al-Qaeda operatives that were interdicted, captured and killed by our security forces.
"Terrorists are targeting innocent civilians, bombing our markets and places of worship and carrying out targeted assassinations against security and law-enforcement personnel," he added.
Gilani said there was need for close policy coordination among Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US. "We need to develop a clear and coherent strategy together. A clear roadmap so that all three i.e. Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US are on the same page and work together for achieving the stated goal of reconciliation and peace. It is with this in view that we established the trilateral Core Group which has met four times," he added.
He said clarity and strategic coherence would lead to the necessary operational policy coordination.
He said the realities and dynamics of the situation on the ground also need to be objectively factored. It is with this in view that we consistently signalled closer and deeper engagement with the US and Afghanistan, he added.
Earlier, addressing the dinner meeting with ambassadors and diplomats regarding the briefing on flood situation in Pakistan 2011, the prime minister said the scale of devastation this year was no less than what this nation experienced last year, as had been brought out in the documentary and presentation.
"Since the spread of the floods is all across the Sindh province, the national and international relief agencies and the media must portray its severity to the world," he added.
He said the calamity besides taking a terrible toll in terms of human sufferings, livestock and infrastructure, has also resulted in huge economic loss as standing crops were destroyed and hundreds of thousands of homes were washed away or damaged.
"Alive to this, I appeared on television to make a passionate appeal to the nation at large and the international community to come forward and lend a helping hand to the affectees. I called upon them to repeat their exemplary gesture of 2010, when the support from home and abroad was unprecedented," he said.
The prime minister said floodwater had not yet receded. Millions of people require shelter, food, healthcare and sanitation.
"I am pleased to note that the Prime Minister's Relief Fund 2011 is receiving positive response despite the relatively less time span since we realised the enormity of the crisis. Where we express gratitude to the international community, I must call upon organizations both public and private, the corporate sector, the civil society and media to harness their potential to the full and continue to play their role in extending relief to those hit by this huge disaster," he said.
The prime minister said he had cancelled a crucial trip to New York to be in the floodwater himself and supervise relief operations.
"Let me make special mention here of the important role of NDMA and its provincial chapter PDMA who are doing their best with the support and in collaboration with the provincial government to provide relief and rehabilitation services in an efficient and co-ordinated manner," he said.
He said the role of public representatives in a crisis situation was of utmost importance and they had a responsibility to reach out to their people and extend every possible support to them.
He said the parliamentarians need to be in thick of the action and become the eyes and ears of relief agencies. Realizing the importance of the role of public representatives, "I have formalised their involvement by constituting a parliamentary committee under the leadership of Senator Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, leader of the house in the Senate. The committee shall act as a monitor and a link between the people and the relief workers; aiding and assisting in identifying needs and guiding the relief providers," he added.
Appreciating the efforts of Baitul Mal, the prime minister said he must commend the outstanding services provided by Pakistan Baitul Mal in reaching out to the families who have lost their livelihoods and belongings to the merciless waters.
He said the overall role of the Cabinet Division, its Emergency Relief Cell and the National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Network has been instrumental in saving lives threatened by the spread of disease and epidemics that floods bring in their fold.
The Prime Minister said the health response had been appropriate and timely with thousands of precious lives saved.
"To the heads of diplomatic missions and ambassadors I must express my profound gratitude. I also want you to convey my personal thanks to your respective governments for responding to Pakistan's appeal for assistance," he said.
"Overwhelming support for the last two years strengthens our bonds of friendship and reflects the love of your people for the people of Pakistan. Let us work together in rebuilding the lives of those who have no one but us to look up to", he added.
Courtesy www.geo.tv