Troops to Iraq: Pakistan will consult Muslim world, says PM

KALLAR KAHAR: Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that any decision on sending troops to Iraq will be made after consulting Islamic countries and taking the nation into confidence.

“The aspirations of the people will be taken into consideration to ensure that any such decision does not go against their will,” Mr Hussain told reporters at a luncheon hosted by Lt General (r) Majeed Malik, senior vice president of the Pakistan Muslim League, on Saturday.

Mr Hussain said that President General Pervez Musharraf had also categorically stated that the government would not take any step that goes against the aspirations of the people. The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the talks between Pakistan and India on Siachen and hoped that the talks would help resolve the issue amicably. “We should think of moving forward, leaving the past behind,” said Mr Hussain. He defended the military campaign in Wana and reiterated the government’s stance to eliminate terrorism from the country.

Answering a question about Shaukat Aziz’s nomination as prime minister, Mr Hussain said Mr Aziz was capable of bringing about an economic revolution and putting Pakistan on a strong economic footing. Mr Hussain said that funds would be provided to all areas according to their requirements. “The decisions regarding development work will now be taken by the people and party workers themselves,” said Mr Hussain. He said the PML was present across the country and efforts were being made to make the party more active and dynamic.

He said the local bodies election would be held next year, but it was not decided whether they would be party-based or not. Addressing the important people of the area, Prime Minister Shujaat Hussain said he would soon address the nation to inform the people about the steps taken for development in the country during his tenure as prime minister.

Mr Hussain said that as the PML president, he had formulated a comprehensive strategy for overall development of the country and improving the law and order situation. “Effective measures will be taken under this strategy to improve the overall situation in the country,” he added. US Ambassador Nancy Powell, Environment Minister Major (r) Tahir Iqbal, NCHD Chairman Dr Naseem Ashraf and former governor Ameer Gulistan Janjua attended the luncheon. app

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