PM calls for political solution to terror fight
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that parliament was a sovereign body and all important policy matters including the issue of terrorism and extremism and other decisions on important national issues would be taken through the parliament.
He expressed these views while talking to the US Deputy Secretary of State, Johan D. Negroponte who was called on him here at PM’s secretariat on Wednesday evening. US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher also attended the meeting.
While reiterating Pakistan’s firm resolve to address the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister said the world community has to do more in order to develop a collective approach, while Pakistan, he said, has been consistently fighting this issue, sacrificing a lot including assassination of its leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Prime Minister said that the government was determined to fight terrorism in all its forms democratically, economically and strategically. “This, is also a matter of concern for us and we would confront it with complete determination “, he said. While talking about the recent elections the Prime Minister said that the people of Pakistan have given a clear mandate in favour of the moderate and democratic forces in the country.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to take all possible measures to resolve the problems of the people and come up to their expectations. He said that government would soon be announcing its 100-day programme through which the challenges confronting the people would be addressed on priority basis.
He said that the top most agenda before the government was to strengthen all the institutions including development of free and vibrant media and independent Election Commission. Yousaf Raza Gillani has said that economic empowerment of the people in bordering areas near Afghanistan is the key to address the issue of extremism in that region.
He expressed the confidence that the establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones would help increase economic activities in the area as well as creating new opportunities to improve the standard of living of the people. While discussing the situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan desires Afghanistan to grow and prosper because a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan and the region.
He also referred to his telephonic conversation with the President of Afghanistan and the Prime Minister of India during which they re-affirmed for establishing better relations in the interest of regional peace and prosperity. Mr. Negroponte congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming the office and assured US complete support to the new government. He expressed the confidence that democracy in Pakistan would take roots and lead towards progress and prosperity of the country.
While appreciating Pakistan’s efforts in curtailing extremism and terrorism, he said that the US relations with Pakistan and its people are very important and expressed US desire for developing a stable and multi-faceted relationship with Pakistan which is not restricted to the war on terrorism alone. Foreign Secretary and senior government officials also attended the meeting.