JEDDAH, 2 January 2003 — Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has said that Islamabad has the agenda for talks with India to resolve bilateral disputes.
Addressing the Pakistani community in Jeddah yesterday, he said: "It is our firm belief that issues can be resolved only through dialogue." However, the Indian leadership is talking about war and threatening Pakistan, he added.
Jamali said that Pakistan will never be cowed down by Indian threats and "we are ready to counter all kinds of threats and aggressions against Pakistan. Our nation has full potential to defend the motherland."
Jamali also announced the establishment of a special cell for overseas Pakistanis at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad for the redressal of their grievances.
He called on the community not to involve in politics when they are outside their country. They must remain united in the service of the nation.
He said Pakistan needs maximum foreign exchange and asked the community to play its role in improving the economic condition of the country.
He assured the community that all possible steps would be taken to resolve their problems.
In reply to a question Jamali said, "We are facing threats of terrorism and we will continue to play our role to check this menace."
Earlier in a brief chat with newsmen, Jamali said Pakistan is playing a key role in the OIC and efforts are under way to make this role more effective.
The prime minister said that the policies of the country are not changed overnight. "Our policies are good for the country and in case any change is necessary it will be effected through Parliament."
Pakistan Ambassador to Kingdom Adm. (Retd.) Abdul Aziz Mirza and Federal Minister Noraiz Shakoor Khan were among those present at the get-together.
Jamali and his delegation performed Tawaf Al-Wida at the Grand Mosque in Makkah yesterday.
