Islamabad: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday called for greater unity among the people and leaders across the poltical divide to face the challenges being confronted by the country.
In his opening statement while chairing the cabinet’s meeting, Gilani said during testing times, it was imperative to maintain unity among the ranks and not let despondency take hold on the minds of people.
“I am sure that together we will overcome the challenges we face today,” he said, adding that with this kind of determination no force could ever demoralize the countrymen in defending their homeland.
Gilani reiterated to foil the nefarious designs of terrorists and their collaborators. He paid rich tribute on behalf of the Cabinet to those who sacrificed their lives during the terrorist attack at the Mehran Naval Base.
As a nation, he said, “we are proud of the courage and valour with which the Jawans of Navy, Rangers and Police who tried to defend the strategic naval installations and properties.”
The Prime Minister said that during his visit to the hospital in Karachi, he was touched to see the spirit of injured Jawans who remarked that it would have been better had they also embraced Shahadat.
He recalled that the especially convened meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet decided for coordinated efforts to prevent and pre-empt acts of terrorism. He stated that the defence and law enforcement agencies had been directed to use all necessary means to eliminate terrorists and militants.
The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet about his visit to China which he termed as very important as it coincided with the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
He said besides talks in defence, trade and energy, the Chinese leadership reiterated its undiluted, unequivocal and principled support to Pakistan’s stance and strategy in the fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister stated that the Chinese leadership apprised him that even without Pakistan’s asking, the Chinese Vice Premier and State Counselor for Foreign Affairs, who attended the recent China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington DC, had urged the US to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; to recognize Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terror; and to help Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and extremism, and give it complete support.
The Prime Minister apprised the Cabinet about his affirmation to the Chinese leadership that Pakistan would never allow its territory to be used to attack any country and would continue to support international counter-terrorism cooperation.
Before the start of formal proceedings of the Cabinet meeting, Fateha for late Hakim Ali Zardari, a seasoned politician was offered. The Cabinet also offered Fateha for all those who embraced Shahadat in the recent attack on PNS Mehran, CID Station Peshawar and District Administration Offices in Hangu.
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