“By now the US is convinced that we are part of the solution to terrorism but not a part of the problem,” the web-based rt.com quoted the prime minister as saying. He added that terrorism was a global challenge and Pakistan a frontline state in a global war.
“Terrorism has neither boundaries nor ideology; it is meant only to destabilise. It has no support in Pakistan because it works for a foreign agenda and is sponsored from abroad,” the website quoted the prime minister as saying. He added that there was also drug money behind terrorism in Pakistan.
About the use of US/CIA drone strikes on Pakistani territory, the prime minister said while Islamabad had been successful in separating the militants from the local tribes that now supported the government, drone attacks which kill innocent civilians only helped create sympathy for terrorists among the locals. “It [using drones] is not in favour of either military or political strategy. Drones make Pakistan’s work difficult,” he said, adding that Pakistan can do the job itself.
The prime minister emphatically denied allegations about militants getting their hands on money allocated by the US to Pakistan. He said Pakistan’s nuclear programme was very secure and recognised as such by the international community. The country’s authorities intend to keep it that way, said the PM.
To a question about extending American military presence in the country, Gilani insisted there should be respect for the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. He added that, “Pakistan and Afghanistan are closely cooperating in their joint fight against militants, but the border between the countries is too long and proper security is something to be desired, largely because Pakistan has been accepting refugees from Afghanistan for the last 30 years.” The PM said inter-relations of the border districts of the two countries were too complicated now.
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