Monday, 15 June 2009 | 08:02 PM PST
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday asked the international community to fulfill its pledges of assistance to Pakistan in its goal to win the hearts and minds of displaced persons of Swat and other areas of Malakand Division, who need immediate help at this critical juncture when Pakistan is fighting a war against militancy and terrorism till its complete elimination.
The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs. The delegation was led by Professor Paolo Cotta-Ramusino, Secretary General Pugwash Conferences which called on him at the Prime Minister's House this morning.
Pugwash Conference, an NGO involved in two-track diplomacy between Pakistan and India, has planned to organize a series of meetings on Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan and Afghanistan relations, US economic assistance and Pakistan's vision of regional relations in South Asia.
Gilani, while welcoming their initiatives for holding these meetings stated that this will greatly help in creating better understanding and remove misperception about Pakistan in the west.
The Prime Minister said that early resumption of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India is imperative to address the longstanding issues resulting in tension between the two countries i.e. Kashmir dispute as well as the water dispute.
He assured the Pugwash delegation of his government's sincerity in proceeding with the dialogue process and for maintaining cordial bilateral relations with all its neighbors including India.
The Prime Minister while briefing the visitors over the success of the ongoing military operation, the relief efforts being undertaken to cater to the needs of the influx of displaced persons and the situation of Pakistan's economy called upon the US to write off Pakistan's debt, fast track the Kerry-Lugar and ROZ's bills' passage through the Congress and to enhance the level of intelligence sharing with Pakistan to help his government to bring the present campaign against militants to its logical end.
