- Some observers believe that one of the reasons for the slow progress of SAARC is the dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Besides, Afghanistan, the newest SAARC member, accuses Pakistan of not doing enough to stop cross-border terrorism. Do you believe SAARC could emerge strong like the ASEAN or the EU despite these problems between member states?
Pakistan and India have initiated the composite dialogue process to resolve all outstanding issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir through political process. Pakistan is participating actively in SAARC processes and would like to see its emergence as a strong regional entity.
- Pakistan's relations with Sri Lanka have been excellent. Will there be greater defence and economic cooperation between the two countries under the new government you are heading?
Our government wants to see enhanced cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in every field of life so that people of both countries could benefit.
 |
| Pakistan's Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the BIA on Friday. |
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have traditionally enjoyed close defence cooperation including military training.
Sri Lanka is the largest recipient of free military training from Pakistan as its armed forces annually avail around 250 to 300 vacancies for various training courses in Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has always been forthcoming in helping Sri Lanka meet its defence requirements.
Sri Lanka is the first country with which Pakistan entered into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Since its operation, bilateral trade received a boost.
To enhance the bilateral trade, there is, however, a need for an early inclusion of services and bilateral investment in the FTA. In this way, Pakistan's expertise in banking, finance, insurance, gas and petroleum exploration, road development, and telecommunications, higher Education, pharmaceuticals and Sri Lanka's capability in the hospitality, retail marketing and apparel sectors can be combined for collaborative linkages and joint ventures.
- How do you respond to India's concern over Sri Lanka’s military purchases from Pakistan and China?
Being a sovereign country, it is up to Sri Lanka to make decisions in its best interests. Our relations with Sri Lanka are based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. This time tested relationship is free from outside interference.
- Some Pakistanis and Muslims around the world allege that your country is fighting America's war. Please comment.
Pakistan is playing an active role in the international campaign against terrorism as a frontline State. However, our efforts to combat terrorism predate the events of 9/11 as we have been a victim of terrorism for decades. We are fighting this menace because we believe that this is in the interest of Pakistan. The menace of terrorism and extremism threatens our society as much as any other society. We are tackling the issues of terrorism and extremism according to our own national policy framework and strategy.
At the same time we live in an interdependent world where we have legal and moral obligations. In this regard it is our firm commitment that we will not allow anyone to use Pakistani territory to initiate attacks against any other country.
- Democracy has been restored in Pakistan. What are the measures your government is taking to keep the army out of politics?
We believe that all institutions needed to be strengthened and if all institutions work according to the constitution, there would be absolutely no confrontation among institutions. We strongly believe that the army should play the role that has been assigned to it by the constitution of Pakistan.
- How stable is your coalition government in view of differences the PPP - that is your party -- is having with Nawaz Sharif's PML - a coalition partner -- over the reinstatement of the ousted chief justice, the impeachment of President Musharraf and other issues?
Though the PPP and PML-N are two different parties with different manifestos, yet we have convergence of views on most of the issues. We are determined to serve the people, as the basic aim of both the parties is to solve their problems and to ameliorate their lot. Whether PML-N remains in government or not, it has assured us of its support in parliament. Moreover, we are taking all our coalition partners on board in order to evolve consensus on all the issues confronting the country.
- As a country which possesses nuclear weapons, how do you respond to nuclear non-proliferation moves being spearheaded by the United States and its allies?
Pakistan is also committed to nuclear non-proliferation. We are a partner in the global non-proliferation efforts. Pakistan believes that steps for non-proliferation must be accompanied by measures to achieve the objective of complete and general nuclear disarmament in a non discriminatory manner. | 
E-mail