Islamabad, Dec 15 (IANS) Striking a tough posture, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms, but if a war is “imposed on Pakistan” the country would be defended “at all costs”.
Addressing the National Assembly here Monday, Gilani said, “I pay tribute to the political leadership who expressed deep insight over the recent prevalent issue, and got united.”
He said Pakistan “condemns terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, however, if India tries to carry out its designs against Pakistan, it would be defended at all costs.”
He said the entire nation and its leaders “are one and united for the defence of Pakistan”.
The prime minister vowed to resist any aggression however, saying “Pakistan does not want war”.
His comments come in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in which more than 170 people were killed. India has blamed elements in Pakistan for the attacks.
Gilani also said Pakistan would not allow any foreign country access to the arrested people.
He said the civilian government and military had resolved to steer the nation clear of the hard times and the forum of Friends of Pakistan was used to “put off the war”.
He said India had requested for cooperation in investigations into the Mumbai attacks, but it has not provided any proof so far.
He also said that the “welfare projects” of the banned charity Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front for the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), would not be stopped from functioning.