Gilani warns against any strategic imbalance in region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said Pakistan will counter any negative trend, through “all appropriate means” attempts at undermining the strategic stability of the region. Addressing the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) meeting here at the PM House Gilani said strategic stability in South Asia was a pre-requisite for enduring peace and prosperity for the people of the region.
“We are mindful of the policies and trends that could undermine strategic stability in our region. Pakistan”will be obliged to counter such negative trends by all appropriate means.”
The Prime Minister said “no one should underestimate the strong resolve of the people, political leadership and the defence forces to protect honour, dignity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Pakistan.”
He said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and vowed that “We will continue to endeavour to promote peace, security and stability in our region.”
Gilani said all state institutions were determined to work in union for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, with the full support of the nation.
“The strength and resilience of our nation has been tested before. I have no doubt that at this particular juncture with Grace of Almighty Allah, we shall overcome all transient challenges and emerge even stronger and victorious.”
The Prime Minister called for the need to review the ongoing counter-terrorism and law enforcement actions.
He appreciated the people and the government of Pakistan for the “exceptional valour, patriotism, and professionalism” of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, police and other agencies that were at the forefront in counter-terrorism.
“Our armed forces and law enforcement personnel continue to render exemplary services and our nation will never forget their heroic sacrifices,” he said.
“I wish to assure you that the whole nation stands firmly united in support of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.”
He said the government convened All Parties Conference to develop complete national consensus to defeat militancy and terror.
“Our political leadership has shown that it is united in war against terror.”
He said over the recent months considerable success has been achieved against terrorists and militants.
Law enforcement actions in Swat, Malakand, FATA and most notably in South Waziristan have been executed with precision and in record time.
He said Pakistan has utilized its own national capacity to execute the counter terror campaign and said the success of these efforts stand out in sharp contrast to what the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan have been able to achieve over the past nine years.