MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani ,while exchanging views with visiting American diplomats,said Pakistan feels that that USA had totally overlooked the efforts of Pakistan in weeding out terrorists. Though the USA president had acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan in a passing remark, yet he did not give due importance to its role in fighting terrorist outfits. The government had undertaken operations Zarb-e-Azb, Radd ul Fassad and Khyber-4 of its own initiative which had broken the back of terrorists in Pakistan. Gilani said that Pakistan was worried by the recent Indo-US joint statement and expressed the concern that it could add to tensions between Pakistan and India.“Pakistan has been the primary victim of terrorism in the region. Pakistan’s contributions and sacrifices in fighting terrorism are unmatched. No country has sacrificed as much as Pakistan, not only in material resources but in lives,” Gilani said.
Gilani told them that he had started his politics as Chairman of District Council Multan in 1983 and he was elected as MNA in non-partisan Polls in 1985.He had served as Railway Minister, Housing Minister and Speaker of National Assembly.Political and Economic Chief of US embassy Ann Mason , Consul General Elizabeth K Trudeau,USAID Punjab Director Lea Swanson, Public affair officer, Mike Guinan and Deputy Public affair officer Maryam Saifee took interest in the discussion on Pak-US relations.They said that United States is an important ally of Pakistan and "We want our partnership in war of terrorism and extremism. "We acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan in war against terror," Annm Mason said that all high value targets have been achieved with the cooperation of ISI against Al-Qaida.She appreciated the cooperation between CIA and ISI.The meeting was alsio joined by FPCCI's former President Mian Tanvir A Sheikh, Ex-President of MCCI Shahid Nasim Khokhar, Ahmed Mujtaba Gilani younger brother and Ali Haider Gilani who later presented them Saraiki" Ajrak" .
