Qureshi defends KL bill in parliament

Islamabad, Oct.16 (ANI): Following US President Barack Obama's signature over the Kerry-Lugar bill, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has defended the legislation along with its 'objectionable' clauses.

Addressing parliament on Friday, Qureshi denounced the rejection of the bill, which would offer Islamabad 7.5 billion dollars over the next five years, by some political quarters.

Qureshi asked the politicians to hold the interest of the state above political gains.

"The bill supports all the stated policies of Pakistan. Governments will come and go but the state's interests must remain supreme," The Dawn quoted Qureshi, as saying.

Earlier, talking to mediapersons after returning from Washington, Qureshi said he met several key political leaders in the United States, and they all clarified that America does not aim for micromanagement in Pakistan through the K-L bill.

President Obama signed the Kerry Lugar bill into legislation on Thursday before embarking on a trip to New Orleans. (ANI)