Pakistani PM seeks U.S. drone technology

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Monday urged the United States to provide drone technology to Pakistan enabling its armed forces to take action against terrorists.

The prime minister in meeting with U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke emphasized that drone attacks remain a matter of public concern in Pakistan, the PM office said.

"They were counterproductive to government's efforts for isolating the terrorists and the consequent collateral damage these attacks were exploited by the extremists for fueling anti Americanism in the country," Gilani said.

While dilating on government of Pakistan's strong and successful counter terrorism offensive in northwest Pakistan's Swat and Malakand, the prime minister highlighted the fact that it had the complete support of Parliament, security institutions, political and religious leadership, civil society and media.

Talking about Pakistan's energy crisis, he said two top American officials will visit Pakistan by the end of this month to discuss the country's growing energy crisis.

He said that the U.S. Economic Advisor David Lipton and specialist Mary Beth Goodman would hold discussions with the joint task force being constituted to find ways and means for overcoming the energy crisis.

Holbrooke said he was most impressed with the very successful Swat operation. He paid glowing plaudits to the government and Pakistan army for determinedly taking on the militants and terrorists, providing relief to the dislocated persons and undertaking steps for their rehabilitation.

Gilani welcomed U.S. President Obama's initiative to form a joint task force for assisting Pakistan in overcoming the present energy crisis in the country.

He called on the U.S. Government and private sector to support specific projects and mobilize investment towards Pakistan's energy sector.

The prime minister apprised Ambassador Holbrooke about his government's relentless efforts to promote good governance, transparency and accountability in the country.

The U.S. special envoy also met with Pakistani Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin here on Monday. They exchanged views on economic cooperation, rehabilitation of internally displaced families and the upcoming meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan.