The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) while condemning the May 2 US unilateral action in Abbottabad in violation of Pakistan's sovereignty on Thursday resolutely reaffirmed the determination of the government to safeguard national honour and interests at all costs.
The DCC meeting held here at the PM House Thursday with Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in chair comprehensively discussed the situation arising from the US forces' covert operation of 2nd May, 2011 in the surroundings of Abbottabad and the killing of Osama bin Laden.
The Prime Minister in his opening remarks emphasised the importance of ensuring national security and protection of national interests by all state institutions, with the full support of the people. After in-depth discussions on national security and foreign policy aspects, the DCC underscored the following:
a) Safeguarding of Pakistan's sovereignty and national security is a sacred duty, which will be ensured at all costs.
b) Pakistan remains firmly committed to eliminating all forms and manifestations of terrorism and in this regard reiterated the importance of international co-operation.
c) Condemned the US unilateral action in Abbottabad in violation of Pakistan's sovereignty.
d) Has decided to institute an inter-agency process to clearly define the parameters of our co-operation with the US in counter-terrorism, in accordance with Pakistan's national interests and the aspirations of the people.
e) Pakistan is capable and shall respond appropriately to any challenge to national security, with the full support of the people.
f) Reiterated Pakistan's readiness to cooperate with the international community in promoting effective joint co-operation in countering terrorism. This co-operation will be predicated on Pakistan's security interest.
g) Emphasised the paramount importance of respect for Pakistan's sovereignty, the need for adopting a partnership approach that is based on mutual respect and mutual trust. Unilateralism is strongly rejected.
h) In the external domain, Pakistan will continue to take all appropriate steps to promote regional stability, peace and security, broaden and deepen its engagement with regional states as well as with major powers.
The DCC resolutely reaffirmed the determination of the government to safeguard national honour and interests at all costs. The meeting was attended by Chaudhry Pervez Ellahi, Senior Minister for Defence Production, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Finance, Senator A. Rehman Malik, Minister for Interior, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, General Khalid Shamim Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Air Staff, Salman Bashir, Secretary Foreign Affairs and Lieutenant General Syed Athar Ali (Retd), Secretary Defence.
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