Pakistan Capable of Safeguarding National Interests: Gilani

LAHORE -- Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Sunday said that Pakistan was a powerful country and fully capable of safeguarding its vital national interests. Addressing a press conference at the State Guest House here, the Prime Minister said that safeguarding national interest was of supreme importance for his government. He said that Pakistan wanted to maintain friendly relations with the United States (US) on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest without compromising on each other's national interests. Gilani said, "We have explained to the US government that if it is answerable to Congress, then we are equally accountable to the Parliament". To a query, the Prime Minister said there was no question of raising fingers at Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism.