Geo Pakistan

US cannot live with or without Pakistan: PM Gilani

KARACHI: The United States should take care of the feelings of 180 million people of Pakistan while issuing statements or commenting on important issues, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday. Talking to media persons after inaugural ceremony of three reconstructed berths at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) here, he said US was an important country and Pakistan wanted good relations with it, which should be based on mutual respect and mutual interests. He said, "Our 180 million people want to defend their motherland and its sovereignty". "US cannot live with us and without us," he said and added "thus the United States should avoid sending 'wrong messages' which would affect the bilateral ties". He said such messages would create political problems for Government of Pakistan to promote relations between the two the countries. To a question, the prime minister said he had canceled his US visit only because of monitoring the relief and rehabilitation operations in the rains/flood affected areas. PM Gilani reiterated government's policy of self-respect, economic solidarity and independence. "On many occasions/fora, we have made clear that we don't want aid but trade," he said. About the US statement regarding Haqqani network, he said Pakistan was a part of solutions in Afghanistan, and not a part of problems there. "We have good relations with our neighbours. A sovereign, independent and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan's interest," he added. To another question, he said Federal Government fully supported Sindh Government in dealing with law and order situation in Karachi. The Rangers and Police were acting against the criminals in the city across the board, he added. Only political government/forces can bring peace and prosperity on permanent basis in the country, he said and added military actions can have only temporary results. Gilani said it was the prime duty of the government to provide peace and security to life and property of the people throughout the country. To another question, he said Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was a part of the government, as their resignations have not been accepted so far.