PM wants drone tech, possession

LAHORE-Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government policy on US drone attacks is clear and unambiguous as it considers the strikes are not only against our national sovereignty but also counter-productive and they are adding to our problems.
Answering questions of newsmen at the foundation-laying ceremony of Aiwan-i-Quaid-i-Azam under the aegis of Nazria Pakistan Trust at Johar Town on Saturday, he said 'we strongly oppose US drone attacks as these had proved counter-productive and against our strategy of segregating peace-loving local tribal people and the militants.
He said that the govt and the military were pursuing a strategy of separating locals in Tribal Areas and the militants, but attacks by these unmanned planes create sympathies for those challenging writ of the govt.
He said that the govt had asked the US to provide drone technology and their possession so that in case of credible intelligence, the govt could take proper action. 'We would not compromise on our sovereignty, he added.
The Prime Minister said that the impression that drone issue had not been taken up by Pakistan with the US was totally misleading as during recent visit of US envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, he himself had raised the matter of drone attacks and similar views had been expressed by Nawaz Sharif during meeting with the US envoy.
To a question about civilian nuclear technology offer by France and US, he said, 'we have talked to France in this regard and US has also made offer. US has already signed civilian nuclear deal with India and they think that Pakistan should also be given the facility to strike a balance between them.
To another question, he said 'acquisition of peaceful nuclear technology is every countrys right and Iran has also full right in this regard.
Regarding NFC Award, he said, it has been constituted and soon its meeting would be held.
'Resources among the provinces under the NFC Award would be distributed to their satisfaction, he added.
Answering a question, he said that the Centre provided credible intelligence information to the provinces on terrorist threats and the provincial govts made arrangements accordingly.
When asked as to when Swat operation would be over, he said it was not a conventional war and govt wanted its conclusion as soon as possible so that people could go back to their homes.
To a question about reaction of India over release of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed on court orders, he said Indian External Affairs Ministers statement was unnecessary and unwarranted.
'It is their viewpoint. However, there is some lacunae in laws and legislation has to be carried out to deal more effectively with elements involved in terrorism in other countries. It is Parliament which has to decide whether or not to carry out legislation in this regard, he said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister in his speech said that instead of showing disappointment over the current affairs, we should face the challenges while following the teachings of the Quaid to forge unity, faith and discipline.
'We have faced crisis in the past also. The conspiracy to break national unity began from the onset but Pakistan moved on road to progress and became invincible with nuclear capability. Nobody can damage Pakistan as it came into being after great sacrifices, he added.
The Prime Minister said 'we wanted to solve Swat issue by talks but the other side considered it as govt weakness. They displayed bodies of opponents publicly, desecrated the shrines, worked against women rights, the Constitution, Parliament, judiciary and administration and issued edicts against these institutions. They kidnapped youth and looted markets and bazaars and thus challenged the govt writ and created an impression that Pakistan was a failed State so action had to be taken against the Taliban.
He said Pakistan Army was gaining success and it would root out terrorism.
He said that we should take guidance from the Quaid. We will emerge a solid and strong nation out of crisis, he said.
He said govt will reconstruct Pakistan as a democratic, Islamic welfare State according to the vision of the Quaid.
He also called for self-accountability.
The Prime Minister announced a grant of Rs 100 million to the Aiwan-i-Quaid in addition to already approved sum of Rs 100 million for the same.
He urged the philanthropists to donate generously for this project.
He mentioned how his father Syed Alamdar Hussain Gillani was close associate of the Quaid, and had worked for the Pakistan Movement in South Punjab and also for the 1946 elections.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister laid foundation stone of the Aiwan-i-Quaid-i-Azam in the presence of Governor Salman Taseer, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Chairman Nazria Pakistan Trust and Editor-in-Chief The Nation, Majid Nizami.