Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan cannot be pressurised to "do more" and called to end the blame-game and respect sensitive national interest of Pakistan. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Gilani said the recent statements by the responsible US officials were completely in negation of the sacrifices and achievements of Pakistan against terrorism and extremism.
Gilani said Pakistan while dismissing all the allegations has always underlined the need to resolve the perceptional issues through constructive, positive and meaningful engagements at all levels. He said the equality, mutual respect and mutual interests are golden principles for establishing relations between the countries and states.
Pakistan looking for co-operation from the international community wanted the world to respect its national interests, he said adding that "our doors are open for discussion and talks". The Prime Minister said that Pakistan's efforts towards regional peace have been badly affected by recent cycle of violence in Afghanistan.
Gilani thanked the leaders of political parties for accepting his invitation to attend an important All-Parties Conference (APC) and giving message of national unity. He said that the purpose of convening the APC was to devise a national consensus after taking into confidence the political leadership about the developments in the region because political parties are real representatives of the people.
He said the democratic government has always strove towards developing consensus on national issues and nothing is more important than the national security. Gilani said that Pakistan, situated in a region highly geo-strategic significance, was adversely impacted by the turbulence in the neighbourhood.
"I don't need to go into the history of turbulence in Afghanistan since 1979, but the repercussions of conflict and interests of world powers have been dangerous on the region. And Pakistan took the burden of international community under the United Nations charter for regional peace, security and stability. The increasing incidents of violence in Afghanistan have badly affected Pakistan's efforts for reconciliation and peace. Gilani said that on the aspirations of Afghan government, Pakistan strongly supported Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace efforts. A joint commission was constituted and a joint Core Group was set up to promote mutual consultation and co-ordination at strategic and operational level.
The Prime Minister said that law and order situation started deteriorating in Afghanistan in general and in Kabul in particular when these measures were being taken and assassination of peace Council Chairman, Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani was a great blow to the peace efforts. The statements by the US, in the background of these developments, have surprised Pakistan as these were totally opposite to achievements and sacrifices in struggle against terrorism and extremism.
The APC was convened in the wake of these developments. The Prime Minister said that he is sure that Pakistan's political leadership or nation is capable and prepared to protect sovereignty, freedom and geographical boundaries of the country. The nation is proud of the armed forces as they have never disappointed the nation in relation to the defence of the country.