By NNN-APP,
London : Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said that on his upcoming visit to Colombo to attend the SAARC summit, he could be meeting his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh and discuss Indo-Pakistan relations.
Responding to a question during his brief inter-action with the media on his arrival in the British capital on Saturday for an overnight stay on way to the USA, the Prime Minister was asked about “stress” in Indo-Pakistan relations attributed to remarks by the Indian Foreign Secretary.
The Prime Minister said he telephoned Mr. Singh and congratulated him on winning the vote of confidence in the Indian Parliament on the nuclear deal with USA.
The Prime Minister said he was told by Mr. Singh that India desires to settle all the outstanding issues including that of Kashmir.
Mr. Gilani said both India and Pakistan shared lot of commonality and during his visit to Sri Lanka he would further take up the issues though he added that at the moment, his meeting has not been scheduled.
Information Minister Sherry Rehman and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior A. Rahman Malik were also present on the occasion.
Answering another question, the Prime Minister declared that the Government was in firm control and that he was the chief executive and taking the decisions.
“Whatever the impression is, this is a disinformation,” he remarked.
Replying to another question, Gilani said he would pay a courtesy call on the PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif on his return to Pakistan. He said the political leaders were against meeting each other abroad and it was in fitness of things that he meets Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan.
Gilani said PPP was committed to the restoration of the 1973 constitution, for the building of democratic institutions, free media in the country and for the independence of judiciary. He added that the party had taken active part in the movement for the restoration of judiciary and the rule of law.
The Prime Minister said he was taking a message of peace to USA. He said Pakistan was fighting the war on terror for its own protection and security adding that the country was keen to develop the tribal areas through various welfare and development projects.
He said Pakistan desires to contribute to the global peace and security and during his stay in Washington he would discuss the whole gamut of relations with USA.
On his arrival at Heathrow Airport, the Prime Minister was received by Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Wahid Shamus Hasan and senior officials of the Chancery.
He will leave for USA on Sunday.