Raymond Davis incident cannot plague Pak-US relations: Gilani
KARACHI, Apr. 22 (APP)- Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said Friday that Pakistan has strategic dialogue and relations with USA and these cannot become hostage to the small incident of Raymond Davis.He was responding to media queries at the inauguration of newly constructed Accident and Emergency Department at JPMC. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Parliamentarians and Chief Secretary Sindh Abdus Subhan Memon were also present on the occasion.He said that Raymond Davis case was an individual incident.Pakistan is strategically an important country and its role against terrorism cannot be ignored, he noted.
He said Pakistan has strategic dialogue and partnership with United States and these relations are based on mutual respect and interest. “We can never ignore and compromise Pakistan’s interest”, he added.
He said that it was a big achievement of the government to have the entire nation united against terrorism and extremism and termed it a big victory for the nation.
Lauding the role of armed forces, he said that the soldiers had rendered tremendous sacrifices in defending the country and the nation. “We are proud of them”, he added.
Responding to a question on talks with political parties, the Prime Minister said the government was striving to have relations with all political parties in the country which is a healthy sign.
“Politics is a day-to-dauy affair. All the political parties in the Assembly had voted for me and I was unanimously elected as Prime Minister. Our negotiations will continue with every political party in the country.
“Any concrete decision making during these parleys will be brought to the knowlege of the media. We will not hide any development in this regard”, he added.
To a question regarding the Seraiki province, the Prime Minister said he was in its favour.
Responding to a question regarding inclusion of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in the federal cabinet, he said that MQM was already a coalition partner in Sindh and its Governor is from MQM, “so their coming to our fold at federal level was not an issue.”
To a question regarding the demand of JPMC management to keep its status as autonomous body under federal government, he said it was a provincial subject and Chief Minister of Sindh will take an appropriate action in this regard.
He said that the Chairman of 18th Amendment Implementation Commission, Senator Raza Rabbani hails from Karachi. It is under his consideration and he will take action in accordance with the Constitution, he observed.
Replying to a question regarding kidnapping of Pakistani crew by Somalian pirats, he said concerned authorities were taking appropriate measures for their release.
To a question, he said all political parties, at the joint sitting under the dialogue process on Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan, had made the demand to withdraw army from Balochistan and hand over the province to the Frontier Corps (FC).
He said that FC is working under the control of Balochistan Chief Minister and they will take orders from him.