Matching response to any attack: Gilani

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday held a joint meeting with Minister for Defence Ch Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Director General ISI Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha and discussed the present wave of terror in the country in the backdrop of Mumbai attacks and its impact on the Indo-Pak relations. In the meeting, which remained in progress well over two hours, host of issues relating to the country's internal and external security came up for discussion and the political and military leaderships of the country were on the same wavelength and expressed their resolve to resolve it. It was decided in the meeting that the point of view of the government on the war on terror and country's role in it would be propagated at all levels with full force so that the other players in the game would be made realise the problems being faced by Pakistan due to their inept moves. The sources privy to the deliberations of the meeting disclosed to TheNation that there was unanimity of views in both the military and political dispensations to launch a joint and concerted effort to root out the menace of terrorism and use all channels to realise America and other actors to facilitate Pakistan in its endeavours and not create hurdles in its way by hitting innocent people in tribal areas with drones, which so far had proved counterproductive. The meeting also discussed the situation created after the Mumbai blasts and its negative impact on the Indo-Pak relations. It was decided in the meeting that India should be realised through diplomatic channels that instead of engaging in blame-game it should come forward and join hands in fighting against terrorism, which had acquired a monstrous proportion posing threat to global peace. The meeting once again condemned Mumbai blasts and made it loud and clear that there was no room for terrorists in Pakistan and government would not allow anyone to use Pakistani soil for acts of terrorism and reiterated its stand to help India in tracking down the terrorists. Some defence and political analysts were according great significance to the meeting, as it was arranged ahead of the Premier Gilani's meeting with the US Senators who were here on a daylong visit. Agencies add: The meeting decided not to send any representative of any key institution including ISI to India until Delhi provides solid proof. The meeting decided to deal with anti-state elements with iron hands and to further strengthen country's defence. According to reliable sources, Kayani and Shuja Pasha apprised the leadership about the latest security situation and external matters. The meeting also discussed situation emerging after Mumbai attacks and other matters related to any expected reaction. The Prime Minister said that the democratic government would defend every inch of the country and those who would cast evil eye on Pakistan would face severe response, adding that the government would provide all-out facilities to institutions of national security for the defence of the country. Gilani further stated that Pakistan does not have any aggressive designs against any country and wants cordial and friendly relations with all countries including India and now leveling of baseless allegations against Pakistan should be stopped. He said that Pakistan is ready to cooperate in Mumbai attacks unconditionally but India still has not shown any positive response of Pakistan's offer, he added. According to sources, COAS Gen Kayani apprised the leadership on the current situation at Pak-Afghan border, ongoing operation in tribal areas, operational preparations of Pak Army, violation of Pakistan's borders and other important issues. He informed that Pakistan Army is ready to defend the motherland and institutions of national security would be in for front to face any situation. PML-N President and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Ch Nisar Ali Khan also attended the meeting. According to a private TV channel, the meeting also deliberated on the issue of a hoax call , which was supposed to be from Indian FM Parnab Mukherjee . The TV channel also reported that the PM had rung up Nawaz Sharif on Saturday evening.

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