MULTAN: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that drone attacks were proving counter-productive in the fight against terrorism.Talking to newsmen at the residence of Makhdoom Syed Hassan Raza, he said that Pakistan was trying to convince the coalition forces against terrorism that drone attacks by them were adding to Pakistan’s problems in the fight against terrorism.The Prime Minister said, “We have asked them to provide us with drone technology so we can use it against terrorists.” Gilani visited the residence of Makhdoom Syed Hassan Raza here to offer condolences on the demise of his son Haidar Raza Shah, former UC Nazim and member of the board of directors of NADRA.The Prime Minister said that the terrorists’ strongholds had been eliminated and they were now on the run. “That is why they are attacking soft targets,” he added and appealed to the people to inform the government about black sheep (terrorists) so that they could be brought to justice.
When asked to comment on a meeting between PML-Q leaders and Imran Khan, he said politicians should have contacts with each other and that the Pakistan Peoples Party was also in contact with other parties.When asked whether the recent move of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (Fazl) affected the strength of parliament, he said that there was no need to worry about it.To a question about investigation into Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, he said that the matter was sub-judice. However, he added that the party would be taken into confidence on the matter in its central executive committee (CEC) meeting being held on Sunday.To a question about the arrest of JWP leader Shahzain Bugti, he said he had sought a report from the Balochistan Chief Minister on the matter.
The Premier said that people of Balochistan were loyal to the country and had played a pivotal role in the establishment of Pakistan. “We do not want to arrest any innocent person and there is no political prisoner in the country during our tenure,” he added.
“Shahzain Bugti’s arrest is a provincial matter. However, I have sought a briefing from the Balochistan Chief Minister on the issue and then I will be able to comment on it,” he said.To a question about price hike, he said that the government was trying to improve the economic condition of the country and devise a strategy to address the problem. He, however, attributed price hike to global recession, the war against terrorism and recent floods.He said that pace of progress on development projects in Multan was better. All development schemes were being completed according to the schedule.About big city status to Multan, he said that he would talk to the Punjab Chief Minister on the matter soon – App
