Pakistan will not act first, says Gilani

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan wanted to live in peace and it did not want any conflict or tension with neighbouring countries.
The Prime Minster said this while addressing a ceremony of Quran Khawani at the first death anniversary of PPP leader Benazir Bhutto at the Prime Minister House on Saturday.
Envoys of Islamic countries, Parliamentarians, federal ministers and other prominent personalities attended the ceremony.
"Pakistan is a peace-loving country and it does not want war or aggression with any neighbouring country. But Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We would fight any aggression if launched against us," he said.
Gilani also said that Pakistan desire friendly relations with Afghanistan and India. He added that the country's armed forces were highly professional and fully equipped to thwart any aggression. Pakistan would not indulge in any misadventure, he added.
While paying tribute to late Benazir Bhutto, the Prime Minister said the present leadership of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) was determined to follow Benazir Bhutto's vision of a strong, democratic and prosperous Pakistan.
He said Benazir Bhutto possessed qualities of strong head and heart and devoted her life to implement the manifesto and ideology of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
He assured the nation that the government would follow the path of its leader to make Pakistan peaceful and stable.
Benazir Bhutto 'sacrificed her life for the cause of democracy and human rights' Prime Minister said while recalled the day of her assassination with a heavy heart.
Yousuf Raza Gilani further said that Benazir was a ray of hope for the downtrodden sections of society. She was a symbol of federation as PPP had roots in all the four provinces, Kashmir and Northern Areas, he added.
The Prime Minister said Benazir Bhutto gave voice to the people and struggled for the rights of peasants, labourers, workers and farmers. He also promised to take care of the interests of the masses and protect their basic rights.
People of Pakistan responded to the call of PPP and other democratic forces by making them successful in February 18 Polls, he said.
He said the PPP, led by President Asif Ali Zardari, would follow the path of reconciliation and keep on board all democratic forces, as it would serve the best interests of the country.
Two-minute silence was observed at the conclusion of the ceremony as a mark of respect for Benazir Bhutto.
Prayers were also offered for the departed soul of Benazir Bhutto and others who lost their lives on the fateful day.