ON BOARD PM’s AIRCRAFT (APP) – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday has said that the present government has full support of all the political parties and is committed to resolve the problems of people.
Talking to newsmen on board his special aircraft before reaching Kathmandu on his way to Bhutan to attend the 16th SAARC Summit, he said for the first time in its history, the PPP government enjoyed the support of the establishment that was clear from the progress of the government in war against terror and at the international level. He said, “For the first time, we are on the same page and moving in one direction.”
He said all the leadership in the country is unanimous on all issues and determined to resolve them jointly to provide relief to the public.
Prime Minister said for the first time the present PPP government was pro-establishment.
He said PPP came into power in 2008 after its leadership that remained in exile returned and gave sacrifices with the commitment to solve problems of the people.
He said: “I am certain that the international community would extend full help and cooperation to Pakistan keeping in view commitment of the government in the war against terror.”
Gilani said a high-level committee had been constituted by him to probe the hosing down of the assassination site of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
He said the committee was all-powerful and would determine the causes of removal of evidence from the crime scene and then the government would take appropriate action in the light of its recommendations.
Replying to a question regarding talks with India, Prime Minister said efforts were being made through normal diplomatic and backdoor channels to resolve all the issues.
Answering a question about demand for civil nuclear technology from the United States, Gilani said during his recent visit to the US, he raised the issue at the nuclear summit as it was PakistanÂ’s genuine need and requirement due to gap in supply and demand of electricity.
Regarding the 18th Amendment, Prime Minister said a committee was being constituted to implement the amendment in letter and spirit.
He said all the provinces and stakeholders were being taken on board and he was consulting the political leaders. He said he had already discussed the issue with Nawaz Sharif.
“The elements who were making efforts to turn the public opinion against the present government have failed after the passage of 18th Amendment from both houses of the Parliament,” he added.
Gilani said after resolving the basic issue of constitution, now the government was focusing its attention on tackling issues like unemployment, loadshedding and provision of essential needs of life.
Regarding power shortage, Prime Minister said a number of projects including Rental Power Projects were under way to increase electricity generation.
Meanwhile, on his arrival at Kathmandu Airport, Prime Minister was accorded a warm welcome by Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Vijay Kumar Gachadar and other officials.
On the other hand, Pakistan and Nepal have agreed to enhance bilateral relations and decided to further promote trade, economic, people-to-people, defence and cultural relations.
These views were expressed during the meeting between Premier Gilani and his Nepalese counterpart Madev Kumar Nepal at the Prime Minister House. It was the second meeting between the two premiers, as previously they met in Sharm-el-Sheikh in July last.
Gilani emphasised the need to translate the cordial relations into strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Gilani said, “We need to focus on the promotion of bilateral cooperation in the areas identified in the roadmap to ensure our continued partnership in achieving peace and security in our region and at the international level.”
The prime minister informed Madev Kumar that Pakistan had finalised projects worth Rs 13.17 million for development in different sectors of Nepal under Special Assistance Programme for South Asia (SAPSA) in fiscal year 2009-10.
Referring to bilateral trade, Gilani said, “We need to find ways and means to strengthen our economic and commercial ties.”
Besides highlighting the importance for Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, he emphasised the need to expedite the process proposal for initiating negotiations on bilateral investment treaty, which is presently under consideration of Nepalese government.
He said efforts should be made to finalise Preferential Trade Agreement between the two countries to increase trade volume.
He said the Joint Economic Commission set up in 1983, had so far met only for five times and its last meeting was held in March 2005. “We should reactivate this forum for identifying the new areas of possible cooperation and monitoring the progress in our trade and commercial ties.”
The prime minister stressed the need for early decision to conclude a Bilateral Extradition Treaty, which is pending with the Nepalese government since 2006.
Regarding defence cooperation, Premier Gilani offered more assistance to Nepal, saying Pakistan would continue accommodating officers of Nepalese armed forces in its defence and defence production training institutions.
The prime minister offered to provide small arms and ammunition, as Nepal has already purchased small arms worth 2.23 million dollars in 2007.
Nepalese Prime Minister Madev Kumar appreciated the reconciliatory approach of Gilani and said Nepal was also going though constitutional reforms, and would get benefit from his the experience in this regard.
He pointed to the ongoing cooperation in banking sector and stressed the need of similar support setting up cement factories, construction sector, infrastructure, tourism and agriculture sector.
Both the leaders also discussed their contribution in the United Nations Peace, keeping in view the fact that the two countries are the largest contributors.
Prime Minister Gilani invited Kumar to visit Pakistan, which he accepted.
During his stay, he also called on Nepalese President Ram Barn Yadev at the President House. During the meeting, Prime Minister Gilani offered condolences on the sad demise of former Nepalese premier GP Koirala. President Yadev belongs to late KoiralaÂ’s Nepali Congress.
Giving details of his meeting with his Nepalese counterpart, Gilani said, despite its economic constraints, Pakistan would continue supporting the development of socio-economic sectors of Nepal through technical cooperation.
He said both the countries could work together under Saarc to promote regional cooperation.
President Yadev appreciated the role of Pakistan in the war against terror and in ensuring peace and security in the region.
While extending invitation to Premier Gilani for an official visit, he said, the present short visit was not sufficient to exchange views and express the true relationship.