Pakistan doesn’t want to limit itself to US only: PM

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday said Islamabad did not want its international relations confined to the United States, adding that Pakistan wanted an Afghan-led resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan.
“We want a political solution to the Afghan conflict instead of one through war,” he said during an interview with a British television. Gilani said Afghan people should have the right to decide their fate.
Later, Prime Minister Gilani and British Defence Secretary Philip Hanmmond discussed several issues including the Afghanistan situation, joint efforts for peace and cooperation in the defence sector. Enhancement of present cooperation in defence sector between both countries was also discussed during the meeting. The prime minister said talks were being held with positive gestures regarding resumption of NATO supply. He said that military action was not a solution to any problem while Pakistan would not accept any additional condition.
Addressing a dinner hosted by British-Pakistan Foundation (BPF) in his honour earlier, Gilani said over one million strong Pakistani community was the largest settled Pakistani community overseas and was rendering services for the British society. He said the Pakistani community was well-integrated with British system and was playing an active role in the political sphere and contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth. Gilani said despite being a relatively new organization, the British Pakistan Foundation (BPF) had to its credit quite a number of philanthropic activities, aimed at improving the social and economic condition of their compatriots in Pakistan.
Exaggeration: Addressing a reception later, Prime Minister Gilani urged the British investors to focus on Pakistan and not to be overly concerned about the “exaggerated perception” about security situation in Pakistan.
Gilani said he was cognizant of the concerns about security situation in the region and said the perception was contrary to the situation on ground. “Despite the negative security perceptions of Pakistan in the media, the trade and investment environment has remained positive,” he said. Gilani said those who have done business in Pakistan continue to return due to the opportunities offered by the market. He said the British companies were conducting substantive profitable business and giving attractive dividends to their share holders and the companies create employment and develop our economy.
Gilani urged the British investors to look at Pakistan keenly and encourage the businesses to use London Stock Exchange as a hub of raising capital for investment in Pakistan.
“Investors can avail of opportunities in diverse fields such as renewable energy, software technology parks, cotton and textiles, retail, R&D, oil and gas, chemicals, agriculture, tourism, services and infrastructure projects,” the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said that there was no corruption case against him and the issue was only about shielding the constitution. He also assailed the Sharif brothers for interpreting the Supreme Court’s verdict for their own gains, DawnNews reported.
Speaking to media representatives, the prime minister urged the opposition to bring no-confidence motion against him in the parliament if they do not agree with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its allies’ views.
The premier doubted intentions of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over passage of Bahawalpur province’s resolution from the Punjab Assembly. “There is something wrong in all of this,” he added.
Moreover, he reiterated his stand that there was no clash among institutions of the state.
The premier prohibited himself from commenting on resumption of Nato supply routes however mentioned that the matter was still under consideration.
Gilani, by proclaiming his tour to the UK successful, said that he is visiting the kingdom on invitation of his British counterpart David Cameron and declared his meeting with him very “fruitful.”