Pakistan is not a failed state, says Gilani

Davos, Jan 30 (ANI): Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has strongly rejected the impression that Pakistan was a failed state, and said the country's all vital institutions were functioning properly.

Addressing a special session on Pakistan and its neighbours, Gilani termed it "unfair" on part of the international community to view Pakistan as a failed state and said country's Constitution, parliament, judiciary and the media were indicators of the fact that it was not a failed state.

He called upon the world leaders to concentrate on making Pakistan a stable and strong country owing to its contribution played in the war against terrorism and extremism.

He welcomed the appointment by Obama of US Aambassador Richard Holbrooke as special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and suggested that he could also help with strained India-Pakistan relations.

He said his country was facing problems in the NWFP and Balochistan with some trouble spots.

Gilani also urged US President Barack Obama to deepen American engagement in Afghanistan, and show more restraint in Pakistan.

He said US drone attacks on Pakistani territory were "counterproductive" and called for a new approach by the Obama Administration.

Gilani explained that each drone attack undermined their policy of trying to build relations with tribes in the restive areas and separate them from militants.

"When there is a drone attack that unites them again, the tribes and the militants," he told delegates here during a discussion about Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"This thing is counterproductive for Pakistan and the Pakistan military," The News quoted Gilani, as saying.

He added: "Army action is not the only solution. We have to have a new strategy because in the US and in Pakistan, the people have voted for a change," he said, adding: "The change should be visible." (ANI)