ISLAMABAD, July 25: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed the determination to thwart any attempt to destabilise the country.

Reiterating the government’s resolve to tackle lawlessness in tribal areas, Mr Gilani told newspaper editors and columnists at the Prime Minister’s House on Friday that his government believed in dialogue with tribesmen and the majority of tribal elders had assured the government of their support in the fight against terrorism.

“Ninety-nine per cent of the tribesmen are … loyal to Pakistan,” he said. However, he added, there were some local people, financed by external elements, who were involved in harming peace.

He said that there was no way to justify suicide bombing and it was against the spirit and teachings of Islam. “It also tarnishes the country’s image abroad.”

Highlighting the need for good governance, he said the government assigned top priority to economic stability and security.

Mr Gilani said although his government was aware of the common man’s sufferings, it had been compelled to take some ‘distasteful decisions’ like increase in petrol prices for the sake of economic stability.

Stressing the need to curb smuggling of foodstuff to control prices, he said inflation was not a Pakistan-specific issue but a global phenomenon driven by the increase in oil prices in international markets.

About the Benazir Income Support Programme, he said it would benefit 3.8 million “poorest of the poor”.

Ruling out fears that deserving people would not be able to benefit from the scheme, Mr Gilani said NADRA would be asked to identify genuine cases.

Referring to his coming US visit, he said he would hold talks with President George Bush, especially on terrorism in tribal areas. “No decision will be taken against Pakistan’s sovereignty.”

“There will be no compromise on the country’s … dignity and self-respect,” Mr Gilani said.

He said during the meeting with President Bush in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, he had focused on the policy of dialogue and reiterated that Pakistan did not consider military action as solution.

Mr Gilani said expansion in his cabinet would take place after he returned from the US.

He said 14 parliamentary secretaries had been appointed, and the names proposed by the Awami National Party and the Jamiat Ulema Islam-F would be announced soon. Referring to the reinstatement of deposed judges, the prime minister said all coalition parties were being consulted and a decision would be taken as soon as there was a consensus.—APP