KARACHI (Agencies) - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani has said that terrorism and extremism has caused great damage to the image of Pakistan while the basic objective of terrorists was to destabilise Pakistan. He was speaking at the inauguration of 5th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2008 at Karachi Expo Centre here Monday. "We would like to seek the understanding of our foreign friends that the main objective of the terrorists is to harm Pakistan by incapacitating its economy. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, State Minister for Defence Abdul Qayoom Khan Jatoi and Director-General, Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) Maj-Gen Muhammad Farooq were also present on the occasion. The Prime Minister said because of Pakistan's pivotal role in the campaign against terrorism and extremism, there had been negative stereotyping of Pakistan in the international media, by spreading gossip and despondency and gloom. He expressed his pleasure over the large participation by foreign firms and dignitaries in IDEAS 2008 and said it was proofs that in spite of Pakistan's campaign against terror; the business and economic activities in the country remain unaffected. He said Pakistan's defence industry is to play an important role in our export diversification campaign. He said Pakistan has a large defence manufacturing, training and supporting infrastructure to cater to the needs of the armed forces as well as it has a capacity to offer high quality products and services to our friendly countries. Later Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had a tour of the exhibition and appreciated the quality of exhibition and defence products on display. Earlier, addressing a Press conference at Karachi airport, Gilani said that the government has not found "any proof in its record that allowed United States to carry out airstrikes inside Pakistan's territory". He was received by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Referring to prevailing economic situation vis-a-vis the IMF, the Prime Minister pointed out that it was caused by global recession and it had even hit major and economically very strong countries and the position as it was today that they were standing in a row with the IMF. He said present government is lucky that it already took difficult decisions within a couple of months after coming into power. The government withdrew lot of subsidies, improved the fiscal policies, reduced the loan borrowings and cut down the luxurious items. He said this proved beneficial for us as it facilitated us to accept the IMF conditionalities for grant of loan. Now, he said, the position is that several countries will not survive without IMF support and super powers like US too have been affected by the global recession. Replying to a question in relation to a foreign media report, the Prime Minister made it clear that as far as Pakistan is concerned our army is totally professional, dedicated and pro-democracy and it has proved it. Prime Minister said the parliamentary committee on national security formed with unanimity would hold its first meeting on December 2 to evolve strategy with regard to security and to counter terrorism and extremism. He said the committee will be given briefing by Foreign Minister, Interior Advisor and DG ISI on behalf of the Army and apprise it of the situation as well as the government strategy and policy against terrorism. He said contrary to the past practice, now everyone is accountable before the parliament as our strategy is that policies are being framed as per wishes and aspirations of people. He said it is for the first time that when the writ of the government is challenged and an armed action takes place, the indigenous Lashkars are formed and they support the government policies and the steps taken. "It is for the first time that action taken by the army of Pakistan is supported by the people of Pakistan." Replying to a question, he said talks are underway with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement for their inclusion in the Federal Cabinet. When Palm Oil prices will reduce, the government will reduce the ghee prices because government wants to provide relief to people, he said. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is not in isolation in relations with the world and it is carrying the world along and everyone is concerned for a stable Pakistan. He explained that IMF maintains strict conditional ties because it wants creation of discipline in every institution including the financial institutions and the system so that the loan taken does not go waste without any accountability. Yousuf Raza Gilani, while replying a question referred to opposition's allegation that present government has given permission to US to carry out strikes inside Pakistan. To a question whether this government has allowed former President Pervez Musharraf to enter into politics and allowed him to go abroad, the Premier said that government does not believe in victimisation and wants reconciliation.