Underlining Pakistan as an important ally of the United States, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said international forces led by America cannot succeed in Afghanistan without Islamabad's assistance.
Addressing the National Assembly, Gilani said America cannot win the 'war on terror' by sidelining Pakistan. "America can't fight in Afghanistan without Pakistan. We know our strategic importance. No war can be won in Afghanistan without us," The Daily Times quoted Gilani as saying.
Responding to a point of order raised by Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisat Ali Khan, Gilani said Islamabad would never compromise on the security of the country's nuclear programme. He added that Pakistan will never accept regional imbalance, in an oblique reference to India. He also criticised the United States for its 'discriminatory attitude', and urged Washington to enter into a civil nuclear agreement with Pakistan as it has done with India.
"If India has been given a civil nuclear facility, why is Pakistan denied that and why are restrictions imposed (on us)," Gilani questioned.
"We will not compromise on our country's honour and self-respect merely for the sake of aid. We have been constantly telling them we want trade, not aid," he added.
Commenting on the new US security measures to screen Pakistanis, he termed the latest step as "humiliating and against self-respect".
"We condemn it. We are using diplomatic channels to raise an issue," Gilani added.
