Singling out Pakistan is not fair: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday assailed US propaganda blitz against Pakistan, describing it "most unfortunate," adding that several countries have maintained direct contacts with the Haqqanis so singling out Pakistan was not fair.
In his policy statement here on the occasion of donors conference for flood victims, which was attended by diplomats of several countries and representatives of donor organisations and non-governmental organisations, Gilani made it clear that Pakistan could not be held responsible for the security of US, Nato/Isaf forces in Afghanistan.
"We strongly reject assertions of complicity with the Haqqanis or of proxy war. The propaganda blitz against Pakistan is indeed most unfortunate," he said, adding that blame-game was self-defeating, as it will only benefit the enemies of peace and only terrorists and militants will gain from any fissures and divisions.
"Several countries have maintained direct contacts with the Haqqanis and singling out Pakistan is not fair," he said and added that there have been terrorist attacks in Kabul and Wardak, there have also been numerous attacks on Pakistan launched from sanctuaries and safe havens in Nooristan and Kunar in Afghanistan.
"It is as much the responsibility of the Afghan National Army, Nato and Isaf not to allow such cross-border militancy," he said. He stressed the need for joint operations and co-ordination, asking the US to be objective and not get carried away by emotions. He said the blame-game vitiates the atmosphere and is counter productive, which tends to ignore the sacrifices by the people of Pakistan and negates all that we have endeavoured to achieve over the last so many years.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan's credentials and sacrifices in the counter-terrorism campaign were impeccable and unquestionable, adding that more than 35,000 Pakistanis have fallen victim to the acts of terrorism and many more have been injured. He said, "Pakistan's national interests will guide our policy." He made it clear that Pakistan has taken a resolute action against terrorists and militants in its national interest, saying several prominent al Qaeda operatives have been killed and arrested in the war on terror.
"The United States knows very well the full account of large number of al Qaeda operatives that were interdicted, captured and killed by our security forces," he said, adding that terrorists were targeting innocent civilians, bombing our markets and places of worship and carrying out targeted assassinations against security and law-enforcement personnel.
He said the allegations betray a confusion and policy disarray within the US establishment on the way forward in Afghanistan. "Clearly, there is concern over the deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan," he noted. He also condemned the recent attacks in Kabul including the US Embassy, which he said were disquieting.
He said he was in Kabul recently to convey condolences and express solidarity with people and leadership of Afghanistan on the tragic assassination of Professor Rabbani. He also underscored the need for close policy co-ordination between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US, adding that we need to develop a clear and coherent strategy together. "A clear roadmap so that all three ie Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US are on the same page and work together for achieving the stated goal of reconciliation and peace," he said, adding that it was within view that Trilateral Core Group was established which has met four times.
"Clarity and strategic coherence would lead to the necessary operational policy co-ordination. Realities and the dynamics of the situation on the ground also need to be objectively factored," he said, adding that it is with this in view that we consistently signalled closer and deeper engagement with the US and Afghanistan. Gilani said Pakistan has emphasised the need for deeper engagement in the recent interaction with the United States, including Foreign Minister's meeting with the Secretary of State, as well as at the military and intelligence tracks.
However, he added that this can only take place on the basis of mutual respect. "Let's avoid mutual recrimination and recommit ourselves to working together for eliminating terrorism and for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan," he said, adding that prosperous, stable and peaceful Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan.
Earlier, the prime minister briefed the participants of the conference on the disastrous situation caused by recent floods in Sindh and Balochistan, saying that the calamity was not new to the country, as there was devastating floods for the two consecutive years.
He called upon the national and international relief agencies as well as media to portray the severity of the floods to the world, adding that the scale of devastation this year was no less than what the nation experienced last year.
He said the calamity besides taking a terrible toll in terms of human sufferings, livestock and infrastructure, has also resulted in huge economic loss as standing crops were destroyed and hundreds of thousands of homes were washed away or damaged. He expressed satisfaction over the response to his appeal, saying that international organisations, partner nations, NGOs, INGOs and Civil Society have come forward in a big way to help their brethren in need, adding that such exemplary display of generosity reinforces our faith in universal brotherhood.
Gilani also thanked UN Secretary General, Ban-Ki-moon and the UN system for responding promptly to Pakistan's appeal for international assistance, adding that the gigantic task of rescue, relief and rehabilitation has pre-occupied the government. He said the government on its part has mobilised all national resources to provide immediate relief to the affected people.
He said a parliamentary committee has been formed, which shall act as a monitor and a link between the people and the relief workers; aiding and assisting in identifying needs and guiding the relief providers. The prime minister said he cancelled a crucial trip to New York to be in the flood waters himself and supervise relief operations.
He said our people and the relief agencies have risen on each occasion and such disasters have brought out the best in them. He said the important role of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and its provincial chapter PDMA who are doing their best with the support and in collaboration with the provincial government to provide relief and rehabilitation services in an efficient and co-ordinated manner. NDMA chairman also briefed the participants on the flood devastation, saying that the affected people need shelters, foods and medicines on emergent basis.