'Pak not acting on pressure, will conduct own investigation'

Karachi, Jan 12 (PTI) Pakistan will conduct its own
investigation into evidence provided by India on the Mumbai
attacks and punish any person found involved under its own
laws as it cannot allow the country's soil to be used for
terrorism, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Monday.

"We will react like a responsible country and as I said
yesterday, if they (India) have some evidence or identify that
Pakistani soil was used by any terrorist, we will conduct an
inquiry and investigation," Gilani said.

"If (the charges) are proved, we will punish the persons
concerned according to our own laws because we can't allow
Pakistan's soil to be used for terrorism. We are totally clear
on this," he told reporters during an official function at the
shipyard in this southern port city.

Gilani, who had Sunday ruled out handing over any
Pakistani national found to be involved in the Mumbai attacks
to any other country, said that Islamabad was not acting on
anyone's pressure.

Asked about statements by Indian leaders calling on
Pakistan to do more against elements in the country who were
linked to the Mumbai attacks, Gilani said: "We are a
responsible and strong country, we are not acting on anyone's
pressure. We know how to defend the country".

"We don't want to make any irresponsible statement," he
said, adding that there would be no compromise on Pakistan's
sovereignty.

Replying to another question, Gilani said the US
administration is undergoing a transition that is expected to
lead to a change in that country's foreign policy. "With the
change of the government, I think there will be a change of
policy," he said.

Asked about Pakistan government's decision to bestow one
of the country's highest civilian honours on US Vice
President-elect Joseph Biden, a move that has been criticised
by opposition and Islamic hardline parties, Gilani said, "As
far as Biden is concerned, he is pro-Pakistan. He has given a
lot of support for Pakistan and democracy".

"At the same time, the Biden-Lugar bill envisages support
of USD 15 billion for Pakistan and he had a big role in
getting (former President Pervez) Musharraf to take off his
military uniform. We then came close to free and fair
elections," the Premier said.

Gilani also said that the President's sweeping powers
could be scrapped only if a bill in this regard is presented
in parliament and then passed with a two-thirds majority in
both houses.

The opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) plans
to move such a bill in the session of the National Assembly or
lower house of parliament beginning Monday.

Gilani said there is no understanding between the
Pakistan government and the US for allowing drone attacks in
the country's northwestern tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.

"This is a matter involving the sovereignty of the
country and we can never give permission for something that
affects Pakistan's sovereignty," he said.

Gilani said his government had "successfully isolated
militants by working with the local tribes". The drone attacks
are counter-productive as it prompts the "tribes and militants
to come together again".

"The whole world is with us and wants the drone attacks
to stop. If there is credible and actionable information, pass
it on to us and we will take action in our own country,"
Gilani said. PTI RHL
AM