Terming the Israeli attacks on innocent civilians in Lebanon as 'open terrorism', Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Muhammad Ali Durrani has said the strikes were an attack on the entire humanity. He was talking to reporters here on Tuesday at Islamabad Bar Association after addressing Siddique-e-Akbar Seminar as chief guest.
"This was an attack on innocent civilians. Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz stood up to the challenge and voiced against this carnage. Pakistan would employ its influence at all available forums, including the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), to voice against the Israeli attacks. The whole world should stand up to this issue," he said.
Answering a query regarding the Indian Prime Minster's initiative to postpone the secretary-level talks between the two countries, Durrani said the Indian initiative was 'un-necessary' and 'deplorable'.
"This initiative was not only against the will and aspirations of the peoples of both the countries but also against the interest of the region. This was an attempt to sabotage the peace process initiated by President Pervez Musharraf.
However, I am optimistic that the international pressure coupled with the peoples of India and Pakistan would reject all such attempts aimed at derailing the process of progress and prosperity within the region and India would return to the dialogue process," he added.
When asked, Senator Durrani said, Bush-Manmohan meeting would only be significant if it can carry on the peace process forward. The Information Minister further said that Pakistan leadership had already announced its willingness to cooperate with the Indian government on all issues.
On the No-Confidence move against Prime Minister from the opposition, Senator Durrani termed it an 'artificial' move and said it had no significance as it was initiated by 'rejected elements'.
"Pakistan was the only country within the region which had lowest prices of daily-use items. Having acquired the level of econo-political stability, the country was heading towards affluence and sustainable growth-rate. That was the reason that the government was least concerned about such cosmetic moves by the opposition," he added.