PM hints at important decisions on security on return from China
* Says Balochistan is top priority
* Parliamentary resolution to be forwarded to US on Kerry-Lugar bill
ON BOARD PM'S SPECIAL AIRCRAFT: Important decisions will be taken on national security issues in consultation with the civil and military leadership, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday.
Talking to a media team accompanying him on board his special aircraft to China, the PM said he has had detailed discussions with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kiyani on important security matters.
He condemned the attack on the General Headquarters and said important decisions would be taken to strengthen national security.
Top priority: When asked about his foremost priority, he said, "I want to resolve the Balochistan issue as soon as possible."
He said he planned to hold a debate on the situation in Balochistan at a joint sitting of parliament and discuss administrative, economic and constitutional issues relating to the province.
Regarding the Kerry-Lugar bill, the PM said the legislation had some broad-based positive points apart from some controversial clauses.
Forwarded: He said he had taken the civil and military leadership into confidence and the outcome of the debate about the bill in parliament would be forwarded to the US government in the form of a resolution.
He said his discussions were part of efforts to bring harmony among the political leadership of the country and to seek the views of political leaders on the Kerry-Lugar bill.
"I always feel that leadership is the opinion maker, even if they are not in the parliament, they are opinion makers. I have taken everybody into confidence and believe parliament is the forum where it should be debated and a national response be given on this issue," he said.
About his forthcoming talks with the Chinese leaders he said he would discuss security, defence, education and health matters during his meetings.
Gilani said Pakistan would also try to upgrade its status from observer to member at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He said security issues were having an impact on the entire region and the world needed concerted efforts to resolve them. He urged the world to realise Pakistans role in the war against terror and help it in capacity building. app
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan