Sino-Pak ties: PM pleads for ‘more support, less criticism’

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday said Pakistan was diligently pursuing the war against terrorism and urged the international community to lend more support.

“Pakistan has paid immensely in terms of casualties and economy. We are fighting the war, which will benefit the whole world,” the prime minister told a Chinese media delegation at the PM House here.

The 19-member delegation headed by Vice President of China Radio International, Wang Dongmei, comprised journalists from Shanghai Dragon television, China Radio International and Tencent web portal.

Gilani said the war on terror was a global phenomenon, not confined to one nation,and needed to be dealt with accordingly. “Instead of mere criticism, the world needs to extend more cooperation,” he said. When asked about the details of Sino-Pak cooperation in defence, Gilani said, “We speak less and do more.” He further termed economic cooperation with China as the top most priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2011.