By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan’s powerful army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani discussed matters of national security with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani following a NATO airstrike that left two dozen Pakistan Army soldiers dead late last month.
General Kayani met Gilani here Friday, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.
The meeting took place amidst speculation over the health of President Asif Ali Zardari, who abruptly left for Dubai Tuesday. His departure led to coup rumours that were scotched by the US. A secret memo to Washington had said Zardari feared a military coup after the May 2 operation to kill Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
The army chief apprised Gilani of the steps taken on the western border to revamp the defence capabilities aimed at effectively countering the recurrence of the incursion into the Pakistan territory, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.
On Nov 26, NATO helicopter gunships attacked two Pakistan Army checkposts in Mohmand Agency, leaving 24 soldiers dead and sparking outrage in the country. Islamabad promptly cut off NATO supplies through the country and told the US to vacate the Shamsi airbase.
The prime minister said the democratic government would not allow similar attacks on the country’s sovereignty and any attempt in future will definitely meet with a detrimental response.
Gilani said the government and the people of Pakistan were ready to provide the armed forces all the resources needed to bolster its defence and professional capabilities.