Press Statement of the Defense Committee of the Cabinet, 12 May 2011

(2011-05-13)

The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) met under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on 12 May 2011 at the Prime Minister’s House.

Prime Minister in his opening remarks emphasized the importance of ensuring national security and protection of national interests by all state institutions, with the full support of the people.

The DCC comprehensively discussed the situation arising from the US Forces’ covert operation of 2 May 2011 in the surroundings of Abbottabad and the killing of Osama bin Laden.

After in-depth discussions on national security and foreign policy aspects, the DCC underscored the following:

a. Safeguarding of Pakistan’s sovereignty and national security is a sacred duty, which will be ensured at all costs.

b. Pakistanremains firmly committed to eliminating all forms and manifestations of terrorism and in this regard reiterated the importance of international cooperation.

c. Condemned the US unilateral action in Abbottabad in violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

d. Has decided to institute an inter-agency process to clearly define the parameters of our cooperation with the US in counter-terrorism, in accordance with Pakistan’s national interests and the aspirations of the people.

e. Pakistanis capable and shall respond appropriately to any challenge to national security, with the full support of the people.

f. Reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate with the international community in promoting effective joint cooperation in countering terrorism. This cooperation will be predicated on Pakistan’s security interest.

g. Emphasized the paramount importance of respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty, the need for adopting a partnership approach that is based on mutual respect and mutual trust. Unilateralism is strongly rejected.

h. In the external domain, Pakistan will continue to take all appropriate steps to promote regional stability, peace and security, broaden and deepen its engagement with regional states as well as with major powers.

The DCC resolutely reaffirmed the determination of the Government to safeguard national honour and interests at all costs.

Islamabad
13 May 2011

163/2011