Pak PM urges US Prez to remove post-Nov 3 emergency sanctions

Islamabad, May 29 : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has reportedly asked the US to remove all sanctions imposed on economic and defence assistance to Pakistan after the state of emergency was imposed on November 3, 2007.

Gilani made this request to Bush when he met the latter on the sidelines of World Economic Forum in Egypt last week.

"I asked him (President Bush) to remove all the sanctions imposed on Pakistan in the wake of emergency. The people should get the democracy's dividends," the Daily Times quoted Gilani as saying in a TV interview.

Gilani said he told Bush that the assistance in defence, socio-economic sector and education should continue.

Gilani claimed he convinced Bush about the country's efforts and strategy to combat terrorism, and told the US President that they should strengthen Pakistan's ability to counter terrorism in its areas.

During his meeting with Bush, Gilani also said that Pakistan was fighting the war against terrorism in its own interest and not for the US. "It's our war as it (terrorism) effects our society, it creates misperception about our country," he said and referred to the death of innocent people in the fight against terrorism.

ANI