Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Sunday said the United States has vacated the Shamsi air base within the time limit given to it.

In an interview with the BBC Urdu service, he said that the Shamsi airbase is now under the control of Pakistani forces.

To a question about Saraiki province, the Prime Minister said Saraiki province is desire of the people and it is an important matter which can not be left for the next parliament.

"The government will approach the present assembly for creation of the Saraiki province," he added.

To another question about his statement under which he said that he will resign but will not write a letter to the Swiss government on the issue of NRO, the Prime Minister said he never said this and his statement was presented in a wrong way.

To a question that the killers of Benazir Bhutto were not punished, he said, “I only want to tell you this, if you see that in high profile cases, it takes time. And you have seen other cases of murder in the country, about which nothing has come up yet. This matter is sub judice, in the judiciary and we should wait for results.”

To a question on the memo issue, the Prime Minister said the people of Pakistan believe in realities instead of rumours and a person who was conspiring in the past should not be believed.

He said President Asif Ali Zardari will return to Pakistan on the advice of doctors.

The Prime Minister said attack of Nato forces was insult to the sacrifices of Pakistan, which sacrificed 35000 of its people in the war on terror.

Gilani said Pakistan is contuining with the policy of 3D - dialogue, development and deterrence, to tackle issue of militancy.

Opinion

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.