08-03-2011  15:16:34
Pakistan has differed with US on principles; Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said Pakistan has differed with the United States of America on principles and would not take any step against the national interests.Talking to reporters after inaugurating the International Seerat Conference, Gilani said the government has adopted a tough stance on the matter of Raymond Davis.When asked about the stance adopted by the former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi regarding the issue of diplomatic immunity to Raymond Davis, Gilani said “government’s stance is more tough.” About the use of drone strikes within its territory, Prime Minister Gilani said all diplomatic channels were being used to convince the United States of America against the hits, and pointed that these were “counter-productive”.
“We are against the drone strikes,” he said and added “we can’t have a war.”
Prime Minister Gilani however said that since the matter was subjudice he would not comment.
When his comments were sought whether Shah Mahmood Qureshi was violating party discipline, Gilani said he was very much part of Pakistan Peoples Party.
About directions of the Supreme Court for termination of services of the Director General Federal Investigation Agency, Prime Minister Gilani said if all institutions work within the ambit of the constitution there would be no problems.
He said he would soon be meeting the parliamentary leaders to chart out a course of action to meet all sorts of challenges the country was facing.
About MQM’s joining the cabinet, Gilani said the question be directed to the party, but added that it was one of the government’s allies.