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ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said the peace
deal in Swat will be beneficial for the country and was part of government’s
policy of dialogue, development and deterrence.Talking to reporters after inaugurating the tripartite labour conference, Prime
Minister said the government has opted to hold dialogue as it believed that use
of force was not the only solution.
“The provincial government is talking to the jirgas, and if successful, it will
be beneficial for the country,” he said and added the peace deal was part of
government’s three‑pronged policy.
Gilani when asked about the US opposition to such peace deals in the past said,
he had apprised President Bush, the Congressmen and others, when they visit
Pakistan that military option was not the only solution to tackle with the issue
of militancy.
Such actions are taken only when the federal or the provincial governments seek
the services of the army.
“The army is called in for assistance and they do not go on their own and than
there is also a need for having an exit policy,” Gilani said.
He said there was also a need for building the capacity of the law enforcing
agencies and to focus on their needs so that when peace returns, they can
perform their functions.
The Prime Minister said it was with this objective that a policy of dialogue has
been pursued and the local jirgas were holding dialogue with the militants.
He said in the recent meeting on Swat it was decided to pursue this option and
if successful, it would be beneficial for the country.
About the recent drone attack, the prime minister said “I have already stated
that these are counterproductive and not in the interest of the country.”
Gilani said Pakistan has always condemned such attacks and will continue to do
so.
He said the American people have also voted for change and the US policies
around the world are witnessing a shift from the past.
To a question about launching of US predator aircraft from within the country,
the prime minister said the comments were based on some news report and have
already been contradicted.
Regarding the 17th amendment, the prime minister recalled a joint
communique issued by him and the President wherein they reaffirmed the
commitment of the Pakistan Peoples Party for its repeal.
About the restoration of the deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, he said it
was for the parliament to decide about his future.
When asked about his meeting with the Chief Minister of Punjab, Gilani said it
was a routine meeting and there was no discussion about the lawyers long march.
He said it was a decision of their party and he did not interfere in their
affairs.
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