I‘d resign if disqualified by Speaker: Gilani

Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has calling his UK visit as most successful said the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) between both the countries has fortified the existing bilateral relations. During his 5-day visit of the country he called on his British counterpart David Cameron at latter’s residence 10- Downing Street in London. Chaired by both the Prime Ministers the ESD meeting was also attended by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Information Minister Qamar Uz Zaman Kaira. 

Gilani talking to media said he would have to resign in case the Speaker National Assembly declares him as disqualified. Prime Minister of Pakistan denied the country’s agencies having prior knowledge about the presence of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan.

He also denied having any knowledge about the presence of Aiman-az-Zawaheri and Mulla Umer in Pakistan and said if someone has any information about them, he should provide to Pakistani authorities as it would expedite reaching the targets in the on-going war against terrorism. He described Pakistan-UK relations as historic and everlasting and added that the ESD had given further boost to these ties.

A communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting held between both the premiers, announced formal launching of the road map for bilateral investment and raising the volume of bilateral trade by the year 2015 to £2.5billion.  Both the leaders asked the British entrepreneurs to examine the success achieved by over 100 British companies already working in Pakistan and explore opportunities in Pakistani markets.

Gilani assured the British businessmen to extend all help and cooperation from his government for investment in the country and ensure favourable business environment for them. He acknowledged the efforts made by the British government to help Pakistan to get access to European market and its request for granting GSP Plus status and autonomous trade preferential package. Prime Minister David Cameron on his part assured fullest cooperation to his counterpart.

Both the leaders agreed that in order to achieve future progress and economic stability in the perspective of the current international economic crunch, both the countries have to take very tough decisions. They agreed to work together for stable, prosperous and democratic future of Pakistan and redemption of its people from abject poverty. PM Gilani welcomed British government’s efforts for improving education standard in Pakistan.

Both the prime ministers agreed that the launching of ESD in 2011 has deepened the bilateral relations. They reviewed the progress made on 5 point agenda of the ESD including, trade, economic development, cultural cooperation, security and education for the benefit of both sides. British Prime Minister said doors for jobs and real education were open. Both leaders agreed to implement the already existing agreements for repatriation of illegal immigrants to Pakistan. 

Cameron referring to the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in war against terrorism said that people of both the countries face threat from extremism and terrorism and added that both sides would continue their joint struggle against it.  Both the Premiers were convinced of the significance of peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and reiterated cooperation with Afghan government.  Cameron offered to share its experience for return of international cricket to Pakistan and for holding major events.

Gilani said that it’s an important time for Pakistan and his government was obliged to hold free and impartial elections under the constitution.  The British Pakistani community is playing very positive role in all sectors of life including politics. He lauded the ‘celebrating contacts’ cultural road map in order to boost bilateral relations.

Later, both PM David Cameron and PM Gilani attended the launching of ‘Conservative Friends of Pakistan’. PM Gilani also called on Prince Andrew Duke of York and British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Thursday and exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest in separate meetings. 

Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf hold demonstrations at 10 Downing Street on the eve of meeting between PM Gilani and PM David Cameron while the PPP workers rallied in support of PM Gilani.