US can't succeed in Afghanistan without Pak: Gilani

Islamabad, Jan.15 (ANI): Underlining Pakistan as an important ally of the US, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said international forces led by America cannot succeed in Afghanistan without Islamabad's assistance.

Addressing the National Assembly, Gilani said America cannot win the 'war on terror' by sidelining Pakistan.

"America can't fight in Afghanistan without Pakistan. We know our strategic importance. No war can be won in Afghanistan without us," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Responding to a point of order raised by Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisat Ali Khan, Gilani said Islamabad would never compromise on the security of the country's nuclear programme, adding that it would also not accept regional imbalance.

He also criticised the United States for its 'discriminatory attitude', and urged Washington to enter into a civil nuclear deal with Pakistan as it has done with India.

"If India has been given a civil nuclear facility, why is Pakistan denied that and restrictions are imposed?" Gilani questioned.

"We will not compromise on our country's honour and self-respect merely for the sake of aid. We have been constantly telling them we want trade ... not aid," he added.

Commenting on the new US security measures to screen Pakistanis, he termed the latest step as "humiliating and against self-respect".

"We condemn it ... we are using diplomatic channels to raise an issue," Gilani added. (ANI)