Pak can defend its territory: Aziz

ISLAMABAD: We will do whatever it takes to prevent terrorism. But we cannot and will not accept the presence of any foreign troops in Pakistan. If we will share credible, quantifiable and identifiable intelligence, then Pakistan will act... We will never allow any country to violate our sovereignty and integrity.”

These are some real tough words from Pakistan premier Shaukat Aziz, who held his ground amid all the noises made by US presidential candidates to go after Al Qaeda operatives in border areas of Pakistan. Mr Aziz told Al-Arabia channel that Pakistan has reacted to these statements strongly.

He said no Muslim country will tolerate the attack on the Muslim’s holy places. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are very close strategic partners and we will never sit back if anybody tries to harm Saudi Arabia or holy places,” he added.

On the meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, he said there were “no specific deals, but only discussions”.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan was cooperating with the world in fighting terrorism and believed in strong coordination among the countries.