Pak-India match invitation accepted in national interest; Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Mar 28 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said he accepted invitation of Indian prime minister to see the Pakistan-India semi-final at Mohali in national interest. “I have decided to avail this opportunity in national interest,” Gilani told the Cabinet, that was convened two days ahead of schedule to discuss his forthcoming visit to India.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to witness the ICC world cup semi-final between their two teams, which is being billed as the “clash of titans”.
The two leaders are expected to discuss whole range of bilateral matters match on March 30 before their teams clash at the Mohali Cricket Ground.
At the cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister thanked his Indian Counterpart for extending an invitation to watch the semi-final match.
He said it was also a timely opportunity for the two governments to show the world that the two nations can play together and sit and deliberate together on issues of national importance.
The two countries during the talks between their Foreign Secretaries at Thimpu, Bhutan had discussed counter-terrorism, progress on Mumbai trial included, humanitarian issues, peace and security, including confidence building measures, Jammu and Kashmir, promotion of friendly exchanges, Siachen, economic issues and the Wullar Barrage and Tulbul Navigation Project.
During the cabinet meeting, Gilani also condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran by Terry Johns and said the heinous act was reflective of extremism prevalent in various societies.
In his opening remarks at the cabinet meeting  Gilani said “I on behalf of people, Government of Pakistan and my Cabinet colleagues strongly condemn the desecration of the Holy Quran ...  our government also condemn drone attacks which are counter productive and flare up extremism.”
Highlighting the historical address of the President to the joint sitting of the Parliament, Gilani said the President gave concrete guidelines to steer the country forward amid challenges and reiterated that all political parties should adopt a reconciliatory approach in greater national interest and vowed to uphold supremacy of the Constitution and the Parliament.
He said the heinous act was reflective of the presence of extremism in various societies and added that such irresponsible acts negate teachings of all religions.
The Prime Minister proposed that the Muslims and the people of the West should come together and promote inter-faith harmony for the sake of future generations.
He urged to replace the concept of clash of civilizations by one that builds bridges and promotes tolerance and mutual respect between cultures.
He apprised the Cabinet that the Government has decided to register protest at all international fora and suggested to the Parliament to pass a unanimous resolution against the desecration of the Holy Quran.
He also informed the Cabinet that a US delegation led by Rob Wittman, Member House Arm Services Committee has also been informed that this tendency of intolerance was apparent across the national boundaries and serves to create religious divide.
It was imperative for the world to act before it was too late, he added.
Gilani also took serious notice over the deaths of mine-workers at a mine in Quetta and directed the authorities to improve the safety standards of mine workers to protect precious lives.
He also stressed upon the need to refurbish the age old legislation in this regard. He also expressed condolences with the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister stated that the Federal Government has decided to patronize five deserving students from each district of Balochistan and give them education at top educational institutions of the country while bearing all their expenses.