Pak, US to strengthen economic ties: Premier
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday emphasised on further expansion of economic and trade links with the United States to strengthen the long term strategic relations.He was talking to Ms Henrietta Fore, US Director of Foreign Assistance and USAID, here at the Prime Minister Secretariat this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan desires to further expand its ties with US in other areas as well particularly in infrastructural development, science and technology and social sector. He expressed confidence that US would be able to share its experiences and extend assistance in these fields.
The Prime Minister appreciated US interest in the development efforts in FATA. These efforts, he said would supplement the development endeavours being initiated by the Government of Pakistan in the area. The Prime Minister said that the strategy of giving incentives and improving living standards in the bordering areas near Afghanistan had helped eradicate poppy cultivation and drug trafficking.
In order to counter the trends of extremism and violence in FATA, he said, the government is now preparing a three pronged strategy which include economic incentives, infrastructural development, political dialogue and administrative measures. This does not mean that the government would make any compromise with terrorists and militants, he said.
The Prime Minister said that the presence of over two million Afghan Refugees in Pakistan is persistently causing socio-economic difficulties. Their repatriation and movement across the border is also hampering security measures, he added. However, Pakistan is sharing this burden as a neighbouring country because “we desire to see peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the Prime Minister said.
He expressed confidence that the smaller Jirga being formed would facilitate in overcoming the difficulties and resolve issues for lasting peace in the region.
The Prime Minister said that the socio-cultural and economic life in areas bordering Afghanistan was greatly affected by the Afghan War.
The sudden withdrawal of international support after the withdrawal of Soviet forces introduced weapon and drug culture besides promoting trends of extremism, he added. Pakistan, he said faced the situation with courage despite economic pressures but suffered a lot while confronting the situation.
On regional situation the Prime Minister said Pakistan wants to promote friendly relations with all its neighbours and the same was shared with the leaders of the neighbouring countries during his telephonic conversation with them when they rang to congratulate him on assuming the office.
While referring to domestic situation the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is presently facing a number of challenges, the major one being wheat and energy crises.
The law and order is yet another issue which the government has inherited and if not dealt at the earliest could affect the political and economic stability, he said and added the government is focused and determined to resolve all the issues.
In order to meet the challenge of food crises, he said, the government is preparing a package of incentives for the farmers so as to achieve self-sufficiency in basic food items including wheat.
As regards energy needs he said, not only the existing power projects are being upgraded, an energy conservation drive has been initiated. In the same context efforts are being made to acquire rental power plants to meet the immediate needs, the Prime Minister added.
He said the law and order situation is likely to improve substantially after the formation of provincial governments. The three pronged strategy for areas bordering Afghanistan would hopefully produce positive results, he added.