Gilani rejects US concerns on peace deal with Taliban

Yousuf Raza Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has rejected American concerns about the peace deal with the Taliban in Swat, saying Pakistan knew better about the policies it should adopt to tackle the problems of terrorism and extremism.

Reacting to concerns expressed by US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke, Gilani said: "He (Holbrooke) does not need to worry much about it. This is our country. We know the ground realities better than him.

"We know much better what kind of strategy should be evolved (to tackle terrorism and militancy)," Gilani said in an interview with Geo News channel.

Holbrooke had expressed concern about the Pakistan government’s decision to enforce Shariah or Islamic law in Swat, located just 160 km from Islamabad, to quell a Taliban insurgency. He also described the situation in Pakistan "really dangerous".

American concerns about the peace deal in Swat have been echoed by Pakistani political parties that are part of the coalition led by Gilani, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

Referring to the MQM's apprehensions about the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation which envisages enforcement of Shariah in Swat, Gilani said, "We are trying to convince them." Time will tell whether the Regulation was in the interest of the country or not, he added.