Pak says global concerns over Swat deal with Taliban "premature"

Islamabad, Apr. 17 (ANI): To justify their peace deal with the Taliban in the Swat Valley, the Pakistan Government has termed global concerns over the deal with militant over as "premature."

"The peace accord has the backing of the National Assembly and a vast majority of the people, and it will help bring about peace and prosperity in the region," The Nation quoted Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit, as saying.

Basit admitted that Pakistan had differences with the United States over the drone attacks on its territory.

"The Pakistani leadership has stated in categorical terms that there are gaps in our position and that of the United States over the drone attacks," he said.

Basit also said there were inappropriate conditions attached to the US aid bill for Pakistan introduced in the US House of Representatives.

"These conditions are not in sync with our mutual desire to forge a long-term partnership, which anchored in mutual respect and mutual interests," he said.

Responding to a question about the request of Ajmal Kasab, the only alleged terrorist captured during the Mumbai attacks, for a Pakistani lawyer, Basit said Pakistan had not received anything officially from India regarding Kasab's request for a Pakistani lawyer.

He acknowledged Indian External Affairs Ministry's confirmation that Indian authorities were examining the Pakistani evidences and reports on the Mumbai terror attacks.

"We acknowledge the comments by the Minister for External Affairs of India confirming that Indian authorities were examining the material received from Pakistan seeking further clarifications and evidence from India on 13 April, and that New Delhi would respond accordingly," he said.

He, however said, "The government of Pakistan would appreciate if the Indian response to the clarifications sought is provided at the earliest." (ANI)