Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that the government has sought US assistance to overcome load shedding in the country for providing immediate relief to the masses. During a meeting with journalists at his residence here, he said that the US leadership has assured of assistance to Pakistan government in providing cheap electricity to the masses.
Gilani said that he has asked the US leadership for more trade than aid, and added that market access to the Pakistan's businessmen would strengthen the country's economy.
Regarding US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent visit, he said that Hillary and Senator Kerry had supported Pakistan's stance on the recent Abbottabad incident.
He said that the US leadership had not accused Pakistan of incompetence or complacency on the Osama bin Laden issue, and added that these statements were issued by some of the US generals.
About drone attacks, he said that no compromise would be made on the sovereignty and self-respect of the country, and added that drone attacks are counter-productive as these unite the Taliban who are separated as a result of the efforts of the government.
"Unilateral acts like Abbottabad incident will not be acceptable to us", he said, adding that he himself had moved the resolution against drone attacks in the NA.
The Prime Minister said that the government is aware of its democratic responsibilities and an independent commission on Abbottabad incident would be constituted shortly as per the demand of the opposition. He added that there are no deadlines in politics as democracy teaches reasoning and adjustment.
Taking strong exception to PTI chief's statement, Gilani rejected Imran Khan's claims, saying that he does not have any assets abroad.
"I challenge Imran Khan to prove my foreign assets and I would donate all such assets in PTI party funds", he stressed.
He dispelled the impression that Pakistan has been isolated on the international front, saying that Pakistan has complete backing of the West, European Union (EU), China, Saudi Arabia, Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) "and our relations with our neighbours have improved a great deal".
Regarding ISI-CIA relations, he said that the estranged relations between the two intelligence agencies have been repaired to a great extent.
Gilani said that Pakistan would continue its long-term strategic relationships with the US.
Regarding foreign loans, he said that the governments must not depend on international loans, and his government takes all decisions in the interest of the country.
About his comments on Osama Bin Laden during the joint session of the parliament, the Prime Minister said that his statement was prompted by the loss of 36000 Pakistani persons who had lost their lives in the war which the al Qaeda and Taliban had imposed on Pakistan.
He said that the government has complete sympathy with all martyrs from the law enforcement agencies, and added that their blood would not go waste.
About recent terrorist attacks in Charsaddah and Naval unit in Karachi, he said that the terrorist acts were continuation of reaction against Osama bin Laden killing.
"A terrorist is a terrorist, and he can not be exonerated of the crime by labelling him as good or bad Taliban", he added.
The Premier stressed that the government would assert itself if anyone challenged the writ of the government, adding that military operation is not a permanent solution.
About Pak-India relations, he said that relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, adding that the stalked talks between the two neighbouring countries have resumed.
The Premier stressed that a democratic government always believes in dialogue and diplomacy. About Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan believes in a peaceful, stable, sovereign and independent Afghanistan.
About the upcoming budget, the Premier said that it would be a development budget as almost 300 billion rupees have been allocated for development, adding that development is the indicator of economic betterment.
He said that it is the first budget after the NFC Award, "and we have delegated powers to the provinces under the NFC Award". About raise in salaries, Gilani said that his government had raised salaries of the armed forces, judges, doctors, government servants and personnel of the law enforcement agencies, adding that it is the responsibility of the provincial government to also raise the salaries.