Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday that Pakistan is seriously considering Iranian offer for acquiring oil on deferred payment. Briefing media on his return from the five-day visit to Turkey, he said why should Pakistan refuse such an offer, if Iran is ready to give oil on deferred payment.
"International community is willing to help Pakistan because it is convinced that a stable Pakistan is in their favour," he said, adding that Pakistan is not isolated, as friends of democratic Pakistan as well as other countries are seriously thinking to help Pakistan out of the prevailing crisis. They believe that a stable Pakistan could ensure peace to the rest of the world, he said.
The Prime Minister said that he had held constructive talks with the business community and Chamber of Commerce of Ankara and they were apprised about Pakistan''s policies and investment opportunities in different sectors.
He said that bilateral talks with Turkish leaders were aimed at increasing co-operation between the two countries in defence, economy, energy, health and education sectors. There was unanimity in views between the two sides against war on terrorism, with Turkey supporting Pakistan''s stance, he added.
The Prime Minister said he also explained Pakistan''s point of view and approach on issues including war to terror to the world leaders during his address to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Moreover, he said, he held bilateral talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai that followed trilateral talks, with Turkey also joining them, and they agreed to enhance regional co-operation.
The Prime Minister said that US attacks had increased troubles for Pakistan and have been causing failure of Pakistan''s policy of isolating militants from the tribal people. "I will take up the issue with US ambassador during a meeting with her," he added.
Gilani said that Army action was not a solution to the problem. Army action creates a vacuum that has to be filled by the law enforcement agencies, and the government was striving for capacity building of the law enforcement agencies to cope with such a situation.
The Prime Minister said that he had told the international community that Pakistan has the will and capability to play due role for peace, progress and prosperity and the 3D strategy for countering terrorism includes dialogue, development and deterrence.