MULTAN, Oct 3: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan will seek a civil nuclear agreement with the United States similar to the one it has signed with India.

Talking to journalists at the Circuit House here on Friday, he said that statements issued by US presidential candidates were part of their election rhetoric, adding that Pakistan was a frontline ally in the war against terror and the US could not win this war without its help.

He said the government would hold talks with tribesmen for restoration of peace in the region.

“We are not isolated. Our foreign policy is very effective and we enjoy friendly relations with China.”

He said that a number of projects were being launched in housing, health and education sectors.

The prime minister said the government was planning to launch a housing scheme for the working class and 10,000 flats would be built across Punjab, including 1,000 in Multan.

He announced that bridges would be built in Aiman Wala Pattan and Head Muhammad Wala. An engineering university, an international airport and a dry port will also be built in the city.

He also ordered renovation of the Municipal Library in Qila Qasim Bagh.