Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday called for immediate halt of violation of Pakistan's territory by Afghanistan-based US and Nato forces.
American forces violated air space and borders in recent weeks and killed scores of people including women and children in missiles strikes from drones.
"Pakistan Armed forces are fully capable of handling any such kind of
situation by themselves, "Gilani said while talking to UK Secretary of State for Law & Justice, Jack Straw, an official statement said.
He said that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country would be safeguarded at all cost. The Prime Minister underlined the need for greater cooperation and understanding among all the stakeholders and called for Referring to the regional situation, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan wants friendly relations with all its neighbours. He said that Pakistan desires a stable and prosperous Afghanistan as it is in our national interest. He also mentioned that the meeting of the small Jirga or council of elders would be held soon which would hopefully make headway for the lasting peace in the area.
The Prime Minister said that due to difficult terrain and porous border, it was difficult to stop cross border movement but still the Pakistan security forces were playing a very effective role.
Jack Straw agreed with the Prime Minister that foreign incursions into Pakistan territory would be counter productive, the statement said. He also hoped that Pakistan would continue providing passage to Nato convoys through its territory on their way to Afghanistan.
Acknowledging that Pakistan had faced a lot of difficulties due to its frontline status in the war against terror, Mr. Straw termed Pakistan as a strong partner of Britain and said that Britain would continue to support Pakistan in every sphere of bilateral relations particularly in the field of trade and security. He said terrorism is a matter of global concern as it is for Pakistan.
He said his Government is greatly appreciative of Britain's role and assistance in restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
While appreciating the economic cooperation/assistance of the United Kingdom (UK) as Pakistan's major trading and development partner in the European Union (EU) and one of the largest investors in Pakistan, the Prime Minister asked the UK to support Pakistan efforts for having a greater market access to the EU, preferably through Free Trade Agreement.
On the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister said that fight against terrorism was the top priority of his Government. He underscored the fact that Pakistan's Armed forces and Civilian population had made the most of sacrifices in the world in the war on terrorism. He called upon the world community to realize the root causes which stem from socio-economic disparity and unresolved political disputes so as to curb this menace effectively.
Gilani said that his government would adopt a multi-pronged strategy as the past strategy has failed to produce the desired results. He said that the new strategy would incorporate both long term and short term measures including political dialogue, socio-economic development and security options in the areas bordering Afghanistan to address the issue effectively.
The Prime Minister briefed Jack Straw on the issue of restoration of deposed judges. He underlined his Government's resolve for having an independent judiciary in the country and vowed to work towards that end.
The meeting was attended by the Minister for law, Farooq H. Naik, Deputy High Commissioner of the Embassy of the UK, Ray Kyles, Head of European & International Division, Patrick Bourke and other senior officials.
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