Gilani, Kayani rule out Indian hegemony

ISLAMABAD Pakistan will not accept Indian hegemony in the region, resolved the countrys political and military leadership as it examined the regional situation against the backdrop of Hillary Clintons visit to India. Chief of the Army Staff General (COAS) Ashfaq Pervez Kayani called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani at the PM House Friday afternoon and discussed with him the security situation of the country as well as the region. The COAS briefed the prime minister about the professional matters of the Pakistan Army as well as the ongoing operation against militants in the tribal areas. Sources said that Gen Kayani also told Gilani about the development work in tribal areas. Sources aware of the deliberations of the meeting informed that the army chief took the prime minister into confidence over his meeting with US national intelligence chief besides informing him about the ISI chiefs visit to Washington and his parleys with the CIA acting chief over sharing of intelligence. The PM also informed the COAS about his recent visit to UK. Sources said the statement by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her visit to India that Washington wanted New Delhi to play a leading role in Asia also came under review. It was the considered view of both the leaders that Pakistan would not accept the hegemony of India or any other power in the region. The prime minister during the meeting said that Pakistan would continue the fight against terrorism in its own interest, despite the heavy losses in men and material. Both the high ups again made it clear that no compromise would be made on countrys sovereignty and national integrity. Sources said that two leaders also discussed the need to adopt a futuristic strategy to put a permanent end to cross-border incursions from the Afghan side.

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