MULTAN, Feb 19: Former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi stressed the need for a strong relationship between US and Pakistan based on equality that is not hampered by an 'isolated incident'.

He was addressing a rally held here on Saturday to welcome him in his hometown.

“Relationship between Pakistan and US should be based on equality. However, I was asked to remain tight-lipped on Raymond Davis issue as my stand on it could hamper the ties between the two countries,” he said.

Mr Qureshi said US threats of suspending aid could not make Pakistanis compromise on their dignity and integrity.

The former foreign minister said though US was more powerful than Pakistan, it should have respect for the latter's sovereignty.

Referring to the war on terror, he said the Americans had ignored the sacrifices rendered by Pakistanis in terms of economy, finance and human lives.

“It was a common practice that Americans would send their deputy secretary for holding a dialogue with Pakistani foreign minister, but I raised voice against this and our demand was accepted as they have started holding negotiations (with Pakistan) through their foreign minister,” he said.

Criticising what he called Washington's discriminating approach, Qureshi said the US had signed civil nuclear pact with India but it denied a similar cover to Pakistan that had been facing a full blown energy crisis.

He said it was the time Pakistanis should rise above personal interests and think for the country.