KARACHI, Dec 22: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said here on Monday that the entire nation was united to defend the country against any aggression.

“All political forces whether inside or outside the parliament, the people of Pakistan, the government and defence forces are united for the defence of the country,” he said in an address at the 32nd Export Trophy Award of FPCCI.

Sindh Governor Dr Eshartul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Minister of Textile Industry Rana Mohammad Farooq Saeed Khan were present on the occasion.

Mr Gilani said that leaders like Imran Khan, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Jaffer Mandokhel had extended support to the government in meeting the external threat.

“The country is in safe hands. We have a highly professional and pro-democracy army. The army and the civilian government are united and we are ready to defend the country,” he said.

Referring to the situation on eastern borders, he said the nation and its leadership were united.

“When, I held the APC the entire nation was united under one roof. The leadership, whether in parliament or outside, spoke with one voice,” Mr Gilani said.

Talking about the economy, he said the IMF loan sanctioned last month would go a long way in restoring investors’ confidence.

“The IMF facility was the only viable option at the moment to move forward for economic stabilisation, containing inflation, building up forex reserves and arresting budgetary deficit,” the prime minister said.

He said the government was trying to work out a long-term strategy to address economic challenges by focusing on education, vocational skills, healthcare, infrastructural development, energy sector and problems of water shortages.

“We have been engaged in painstaking efforts to secure economic stability, strengthen institutions, empower weaker segments of society, and decision-making process to ensure better living standards of our people,” he said.

He suggested the business community to tap potential foreign markets for boosting trade.

He pointed out that the government had set up an export target of $22 billion for 2008-09.“I am confident that our corporate sector has the ability to even cross this benchmark. The government is ready to help the business community in whatever way it can. We do appreciate that our business community is facing this difficult time with patient and courage,” he said.

Mr Gilani said the government was aware of the challenges and constraints confronting the private sector. “I assure you of full government support and together we shall achieve progress and success.”

Mr Gilani made it clear that the government would always consult stakeholders before taking important business decisions.

“We would definitely like to have representatives of the chamber on public sector platforms as proposed by the FPCCI president.

We need to enhance our skills and expertise to increase our productivity to become more competitive in the world market. We can rise together by unleashing the potential of private sector to build a smarter, peaceful, vibrant and progressive Pakistan.”

Referring to the law and order situation, the prime minister said the government had adopted a three-pronged policy to combat terrorism and extremism.

“We are pursuing a political dialogue with non-militants, the people who denounce terrorism. We are ready to talk to them,” he said.

The prime minister gave away gold medals and awards to outstanding exporters. Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim urged exporters to increase exports by diversifying markets and products.—APP