Regional states should be taken on board for resolution of issues: Prime Minister

28 Mar, 2009

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday welcoming the review of US policy on Afghanistan said that all the neighbouring countries should be taken on board for resolution of regional issues.
"This is actually the continuation of Pakistans policy as we had already suggested that the regional countries - India, Iran and China should be taken on board for resolution of regional issues," the Prime Minister said while talking to media at the second convocation of National Academy of Performing Arts, here.
Gilani said that regional co-operation among all the neighbouring countries is a must to resolve the issues of terrorism, extremism and others being faced by the regional countries.
He said that Pakistan is against any extremism and terrorism. "We are a peaceful country and want peace, development and prosperity," he added. The Prime Minister said that the world community is accepting the Pakistans point of view that the army operation in tribal areas is not the only solution. "Pakistan had said that we should also think about the other options including talks with all the people for peace and to curb extremism in these areas," he said.
He said majority of tribal people are peaceful and patriotic. Only few people are trying to destroy peace in those areas. Responding to a question, the Prime Minister said that he is against the Governors Rule in Punjab. He said that the Governors Rule was imposed only for two months. "Once we (the President and the Prime Minister) agreed to lift the Governors Rule, I will send an advice to the President House to lift the Governor Rule," he added.
He said that PPP is a democratic party and believes in democracy. "We are committed to the Charter of Democracy and want to continue the process of reconciliation," he added. Gilani said that there is no difference between the provinces and all the people of Pakistan believe in the ideology of Pakistan.
Earlier, the Prime Minister gave away certificates to the NAPA students on passing their courses in TV production, script writing, music and other disciplines. Zia Mohiuddin, Head of NAPA in his address of welcome briefed the Prime Minister about the performance of the academy.
He said that NAPA is playing an important role for training of students in various discipline of art. He requested the PM for the government support so that NAPA could play its role more effectively for promotion of art in the country. Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also attended the event.

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