LAHORE, Nov 11: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says the improvement in law and order besides economy is the top priority of the government.

“The two things are interlinked and the economy will progress after improvement in law and order,” the prime minister said at a news conference at Lahore airport on Tuesday after his arrival from Islamabad.

Accompanied by Governor Salmaan Taseer and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the prime minister termed Tuesday’s bomb blast in Peshawar a cowardly act to sabotage the development process in the country.

“The general public is against terrorism like the parliamentarians from tribal areas. A handful of people want to hold the entire nation hostage that would not be allowed. We’ll fight terrorism with the support of masses.”

Regarding attacks on country’s western borders by the US and Nato drones, Gilani said the issue was being raised at every fora. The US ambassador and intelligence officials had been informed that the whole nation was concerned at the attacks.

“I have conveyed them that Pakistan is a sovereign country and will not allow attacks on its soil by any other country. I have told them that Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity will be safeguarded at all costs,” the prime minister said.

He said all issues would be resolved in the parliament in consultation with leaders of all the political parties. “The government believes in the supremacy of institutions,” he said.

The prime minister said many people were involved in the illegal transfer of foreign exchange abroad. “At present, investigation is under way and details will be made public after its completion.”

About the grant of amnesty to Gen Pervez Musharraf, the prime minister said he had personally forgiven the former president. However, parliament would take a decision in this regard and everyone had to accept it.