ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said Pakistan has no aggressive designs against any country, however warned that any threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty would be countered with full force. Addressing the participants of Exercise “Maaraka-e-Baqa” at National Defence University, Prime Minister Gilani stressed the need for an effective strategy to deal with both external and internal threats facing the country.

Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase of complex security scenario and was confronted with a host of internal and external challenges. Gilani said Pakistan has been preparing for an external threat all these years, however the “internal threat has been evolving beyond comprehension and has weakened us considerably.”

He said history has shown that a weak inner front always tends to invite external aggression.“When seen with the widening force differential between ours and Indian armed forces, it explains to us its emboldened posture and her urge to find space for a conventional war,” he said.

Prime Minister Gilani said despite the current financial crunch, the government would ensure that all requirements of the armed forces were fully met, to prepare them to accomplish their mission. He commended country’s armed forces for their invaluable contribution in supporting the national efforts for combating terrorism and appreciated the huge sacrifices being made by them on western borders to flush out the rogue elements to maintain peace.

“It is because of our armed forces that we are playing the most pivotal role in ensuring peace for the whole world,” the Prime Minister said and added that important dignitaries have always acknowledged this during his meetings.The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the standard of training and level of comprehension of intricate security issues shown during various courses, for which he said the University deserved special appreciation.

He congratulated the President of National Defence University Lt General Mohammed Hamid Khan the faculty and others associated with the exercise for making it purposeful and thought-provoking, and wished good luck to the participants for the remaining part of the exercise.

President NDU in his welcome remarks briefed about the working of University and the role being played by it in imparting quality education on issues of national importance.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Tariq Majid and participants of the National Defence and War Courses reviewed the exercise.

The Prime Minister along with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and senior civilian and military leadership attended the initial presentations of Exercise Maarka-e-Baqa, which is high mark of the two courses run at National Defence University.

The participants of National Security College (comprising civilian officers of grade 20 and one star officers of three services of Pakistan Armed Forces) presented National Security Policies.

At the end, the Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the members for thought provoking ideas for policy makers. He also commended the role of armed forces in defending Pakistan against external and internal threats. -APP

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmed has flayed the government for following former President Musharraf anti-country policies regarding national security. In his letter to the parliamentarians, he said that the people attached their hopes with the new government that it would change masses-killer polices but unfortunately it went on pleasing US and India like its predecessor.

He went on saying that there in no forum in the country where poor and dejected people’s issues could be addressed and the democratic government was joining its shoulder with the country’s enemy forces instead of addressing the nation’s issues.

He, however, urged the politicians to join their hands to safeguard the country’s integrity and every citizen’s life saying the parliamentarians could play their role to decrease the miseries of the people. After Mumbai attacks and Indian threats it has become more necessary to put pressure on the government to halt the operation against the “Reserve Force” (tribesmen) as these people would ensure the country’s integrity and protect its western boarders if India impose war, JI Amir stated in the letter.

It has proved that the army is engaged in a proxy war in the tribal areas when Pak army’ officers themselves stated that the troops would be withdrawn form the western belt if India launches any aggressive move against Pakistan, Qazi added.

It is the responsibility of the all politicians, intellectuals and civil society activists to play their due role in order to restore peace in the country as the ongoing insurgency in the parts of the country is a conspiracy hatched to hit the atomic power, the country’s integrity and its Islamic ideology.

He urged the parliamentarians to launch an awareness campaign in order to educate the people regarding real threats which the country is facing.

He again demanded of the government to implement the resolution passed in in-camera session of the parliament; however, he regretted on the Pak army saying it did not give due respect to the resolution rather it intensified its operation in the tribal areas and taking one step ahead it launched joint operation “Lion Heart” with US troops that he termed “disgrace of the resolution”. He said that US drones attack on residential areas of the country openly made fun of Chief of army staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz’s claim of safeguarding the country’s each inch.

He said that the people of the area are undergoing form terrible circumstances as they have to spend their nights under the sky; neither they have health facility nor food to eat and the number of IDPs has gone up to millions in the area. He urged the parliamentarians to play their role to restore peace in the region.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan is determined to root–out extremism and terrorism not because its friends and allies so desired but because it is the foremost threat to its security, integrity, economy and social fiber. He called for the US and Pakistan’s other Allies better understanding of the ground realities of the present security situation in the region and sought their assistance in building capacity of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism.

The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to the US Senate Delegation headed by Senator John McCain, and included Senator Joe Lieberman and Lindsay O. Graham, which called on him here at the PM’s House this afternoon.

The Prime Minister briefed the US Senate Delegation, in detail, on Pakistan’s role against terrorism, the underlining causes begetting extremism, his government’s efforts to improve relations with all the neighboring countries and remarkable patience shown by Pakistan’s political leadership to defuse the situation rather than indulging in jingoistic rhetoric in the face of all kind of provocations in the aftermath of Mumbai terrorist attacks.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan remains committed for having cordial relations with India. Pakistan, he added had condemned the Mumbai incidents in strongest possible terms. It had assured the Indian leadership of its complete cooperation in investigations of this ghastly crime and had offered formation of joint commission headed by the National Security Advisors of the two sides aided by representatives of their respective intelligence apparatus, he said.

The Prime Minister while reiterating Pakistan’s resolve not to allow its territory for any terrorist activity stated that any such attempts would be thwarted. He also highlighted the fact that he has taken all the political stakeholders on board on this issue by hosting an all Parties conference on December 2, and hence the whole nation stood united against this challenge.

Senator McCain commended Pakistan’s role and policy against terrorism. He acknowledged Pakistan’s great sacrifices as well as Pakistan’s mature reaction to Mumbai terrorist attacks.

He lauded Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate in every possible way with the Indian government to bring the perpetrators of those incidents to justice. He also briefed the Prime Minister on his delegation’s meeting with the PML (N) leadership and appreciated their positive approach towards this end.

Senator McCain assured the Prime Minister that US wanted a committed and solid strategic relationship with Pakistan on long term basis.

While recalling that even during his presidential campaign, Senator McCain said he had openly voiced his sentiments against the attempts to violate Pakistan’s territory. He expressed the hope that the new US administration would also respect the Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Senator McCain termed the introduction of Presslar Amendment against Pakistan a mistake which adversely impacted on the cordial relationship between the armed forces of the two countries, in the past. He hoped that under the present leadership, the two armed forces would be able to restore their relations and cooperation of 1980s.

Senator McCain further said there was bipartisan support for Biden-Lugar Bill in the new US Congress. He undertook to work for its expeditious passage for providing the urgently required assistance to Pakistan. He also assured the Prime Minister of his delegation’s support for capacity building of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies to adequately equip them to deal with terrorism.

Senators Lieberman and Graham fully endorsed Senator McCain’s views and vowed to jointly write a letter to the US Senate leadership, on their return, for taking measures for early passage of the Biden-Lugar Bill from the Congress. The meeting was attended by the Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The US Ambassador Ms. Anne W Patterson was also present in the meeting.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has asked NATO forces not to challenge the sovereignty of Pakistan by saying that no foreign interference would be tolerated at Pakistan’s borders areas. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to visiting French Chief of Staff Committee, Admiral Edward Gillard and in a telephonic conversation with the Prime Minister of Poland.

The Prime Minister during the talks emphasized that effective steps are being taken to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, as Pakistan is an important ally in war on terror. According to sources, ambit of issues ranging from provision of necessary requirements for Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear Programme and issues pertaining to further improve defence relations between Pakistan and France were discussed during the meeting with French Chief of Staff Committee.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on the occasion asked the NATO forces not to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty and if they should share any information if they have. The Prime Minister further said that only Pakistani forces can take action inside its territories. French Chief of Staff Committee, Admiral Edward Gillard during the meeting assured Yousaf Raza Gilani of France support for the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan and the defence relations between the two countries would be further enhanced.

The French Chief of Staff Committee on the occasion delivered a message of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister telephoned Polish Prime Minister and assured him the early recovery of kidnapped Polish Engineer.

The Prime Minister informed his Polish counterpart about steps taken by the government to recover the Polish Engineer and assured him that the security for foreigners has been intensified. Yousaf Raza Gilani during the talks said that Pakistan wants to further cement relations with Poland.-ONLINE

DUBAI: American al-Qaeda militant Adam Gadahn in an Internet video posted on Saturday said Pakistan’s new leaders is US puppets in a war against militants.

‘The Pakistan Army … and the professional spreaders of lies at their service are trying to make us believe that the state of Pakistan has turned a new leaf (after US-allied former President Pervez Musharraf left power),

Gadahn described in the video on websites.

‘These are not the leaders Pakistan wants and deserves. They are the leaders America wants and preserves in order to reach its policy objectives, hinder the jihad against the Crusaders in Afghanistan … and ensure that nuclear-capable Pakistan remains docile, contained and sharia-free,’

Gadahn added.

‘Their battle has always been and remains to be America’s battle, not Pakistan’s. And this battle (against Islamic militants) is what has brought Pakistan to the verge of break-up,

said Gadahn.

Gadahn, born Adam Pearlman, born in California and converted to Islam and the first American to be charged with treason since the World War II era. He is believed to be in Pakistan.

For last several months US forces have carried out missile strikes with unmanned drones and a commando raid on the Pakistani side of the Pak-Afghan border unilaterally. The Pakistani government has protested that the attacks violated territorial sovereignty and undermined its own long term efforts to crush militancy in a country where anti-American sentiment runs high.

There has been no second opinion found within Pakistani circles in this regard that Pakistan is directly or indirectly run by the US as a neo-colony. However this video posted by Al Qaeda militant points out towards insurmountable problem witnessed after Pakistan became an ally of US in war on terror; that militants will not stop suicide attacks within the territory of Pakistan killing their own brothers and US unmanned drones will not shunt aside their raids destroying the sovereignty of Pakistani soil.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has categorically stated that Pakistan will not tolerate violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by any one in the name of combating terrorism. Addressing media persons at an Iftar dinner hosted by him in honour of senior journalists on Wednesday, he said the Government would mobilize all resources to combat the menace of terrorism. The Prime Minister referred to the Marriott tragedy and said it has virtually turned the whole nation gloomy.

The Prime Minister urged media to play the role of arbiter among people and institutions and be an impartial judge of situations keeping the larger national interest in mind. He said the Government and media have a vital responsibility to ensure cohesion on issues of national importance including national security and war against terrorism.

The Prime Minister said the Government has embarked on a three pronged strategy to combat terrorism. It envisages making peace with people who renounce violence, invest in the development and social uplift of the local people and use of force only as a last resort against those who challenge writ of the Government.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani appealed to the media to create a sense of ownership of this policy among all stake holders. He assured that the Government would keep all concerned segments of the society on board so as to make an informed judgment about the challenges facing the country and avert them by a common and united stance.

He said it is moral, human and national obligation of media to help change the mindset that gives birth to suicidal tendencies.

He demanded of the international media to cooperate with the regional media including Pakistan to promote peace, stability and prosperity. The Prime Minister assured media that the government fully subscribes to the freedom of information and would always work for their betterment.

Turning to the economy, the Prime Minister said the present Government had to take bitter decisions of removing subsidies to bring the economy back on track. He said Pakistanis are peace loving people and they want good relations with all countries. President Asif Ali Zardari is in US where he has met world leaders including Presidents of the United States, Iran, Turkey and France to strengthen our relations with the international community.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: The top US military officer, Adm. Mike Mullen, reiterated yesterday a US commitment to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty after a flurry of US strikes on militants in Pakistan strained relations between the allies. Mullen said this month he was not convinced Western forces were winning in Afghanistan and he was “looking at a new, more comprehensive strategy” that would cover both sides of the border, including Pakistan’s tribal areas.

US officials say Taleban and Al-Qaeda-linked fighters use ethnic Pashtun tribal regions on the Pakistani side of the border as a springboard for attacks into Afghanistan. A new government in nuclear-armed Pakistan has promised support for the US-led campaign against Islamist militancy even though the campaign is deeply unpopular with many Pakistanis.

But Islamabad objects to cross-border strikes and protested against a bloody helicopter-borne ground assault by US commandos in South Waziristan this month. There have been five US missile strikes this month, killing militants and civilians.

In talks with army commander Gen. Ashfaq Kayani and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Mullen expressed appreciation for the positive role Pakistan was playing in the war on terror and pledged US support, the US Embassy said. “Adm. Mullen reiterated the US commitment to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and to develop further US-Pakistani cooperation and coordination,” the embassy said in a statement.

Kayani lodged a protest with the US military commander and said there is not agreement or understanding between two countries which allows US to carry out attacks inside Pakistani boundary. Both military chiefs discussed the issues related to the war on terror and Pak-Afghan borders. Besides this, they discussed recent statements issued by the two sides regarding US attacks inside Pakistan’s territory.

Kayani made it clear that it was the sole authority of Pakistan Army to launch attack inside its territorial boundaries. Kayani further said Angoor Adda-like incidents would affect the ongoing cooperation between US and Pakistan.

The tension with the United States compounded worry on Pakistan’s financial markets. Dealers said the rupee weakened to a new low of 77.20/30, partly because of the row with the United States, a major source of financial help for Pakistan as it struggles with economic problems, but it firmed slightly before the close.

Army commander Kayani said last week Pakistan’s territory would be defended at all cost and a military spokesman said on Tuesday aggression across the border would be confronted.

Pakistan, which is battling Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants in the northwest, says US strikes could spark an uprising among its Pashtun minority along the border. US President George W. Bush approved the US commando assault in South Waziristan on Sept. 3 without Islamabad’s permission as part of a presidential order on covert operations, officials and sources familiar with the matter said.

But officials and analysts in Washington said the Bush administration was unlikely to use commando raids as a common tactic against militant havens in Pakistan because of the high-stake risks to US policy in the region.
Courtesy Arab News

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday said that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country will be defended at all cost and no external force will be allowed to conduct operations inside Pakistan. He was commenting on the recent incident where innocent civilians were killed in a cross-border raid by the Coalition Forces.

He said that the rules of engagement with the Coalition Forces are well defined and within that, the right to conduct operations against the militants inside own territory is solely the responsibility of the respective armed forces. There is no question of any agreement or understanding with the Coalition Forces whereby they are allowed to conduct operations on our side of the border.

Referring to his meeting with United States senior officers on USS Abraham Lincoln on 27th August, Kayani said that they were informed about the complexity of the issue that requires understanding in depth and more patience for evolving comprehensive solution. He said that own viewpoint was elaborated in detail and it was stressed that in such situations, military action alone cannot solve the problem. Political reconciliatory effort was required to go along with the military prong to win hearts and minds of the people.

During the discussion, the imperative of public support at large for the military operations also came under focus. Later, United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen acknowledged the better understanding of ground realities by the COAS, and remarked, “he (the COAS) is committed to doing what is best for Pakistan and he is going to stay the same”. He reiterated that ultimately it is our national interest, which would always guide our policy.

It is important to note that U.S. has included Pakistan into its Afghanistan war strategy. It is told that The U.S. military, faced with rising insurgent violence in Afghanistan, will revise its strategy for region to include militant safe havens in neighboring Pakistan, the top U.S. military officer said on Wednesday. “I’m not convinced we are winning it in Afghanistan. I am convinced we can,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a congressional hearing.

He said he was “looking at a new, more comprehensive strategy for the region” that would cover both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. “In my view, these two nations are inextricably linked in a common insurgency that crosses the border between them,” he said. Mullen was speaking after the United States stepped up attacks on militant targets inside Pakistan, including a raid by helicopter-borne U.S. commandos last week.

Input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari swept a poll among lawmakers to become the 12th president of Pakistan. He was elected through an indirect electoral college of Parliament. “Democracy talks and everybody hears,” Zardari, who had been the clear favorite, said in a short television broadcast hailing his victory in which he pledged to respect the sovereignty of Parliament. “Parliament is sovereign. This president shall be subservient to the Parliament,” he said. Read the full story