We need no dictation on country's nuclear arsenal: PM

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that US President Barack Obama has expressed his confidence on the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme after which reservation of international community in this respect has also been overcome. However, Gilani said, we need patience to get status of nuclear state. No country has expressed concern over country's nuclear arsenal in nuclear security summit held in Washington, he said during briefing to media men. Answering to a question, he said, the US has expressed concern over energy crises in Pakistan and a high level delegation of US expert is coming to Pakistan. We need aid not trade, he said. Replying to another query, he said, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has accepted his invitation to visit Pakistan and announcement into this effect would be taken after consultation between Pakistan and India. When asked about his meeting with Chinese President, he said, he held important talks with Chinese President and discussed various issues with him. Pakistan would take decision on country's nuclear programme itself, he said. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Pakistan's ambassador to United States of America Hussain Haqqani was also present on the occasion. On the other hand, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani separately met US under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Chairman US Foreign Affairs Committee Senator John Kerry and delegation of International Monetary Fund (IMF). During meeting with Hillary Clinton, issue related to Pak-US strategic dialogue, energy crises in Pakistan, war against terrorism and regional situation was disused. US under Secretary of State has assured her country's assistance to overcome energy needs of Pakistan.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt