Islamabad, Sep 25: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said US assertions that Pakistan's spy agency ISI has links with the Haqqani terror network is a reflection of "policy disarray" within the Obama administration on achieving peace in Afghanistan.
 "We strongly reject the assertions of complicity with the Haqqanis or of proxy war (in Afghanistan). It will only benefit the enemies of peace. Only terrorists and militants will gain from any fissures and divisions," Gilani told a gathering of diplomats yesterday at a hotel here.
 "The allegations betray a confusion and policy disarray within the US establishment on the way forward in Afghanistan," he said. Gilani contended that several countries had "maintained direct contacts with the Haqqanis" and singling out Pakistan was "not fair". However, he did not identify these countries.
 He also said Pakistan could not be "held responsible for the security of US, NATO and ISAF forces in Afghanistan".
 Gilani's comments marked the latest round in a war of words between the two sides that was triggered by US military chief Admiral Mike Mullen's accusation that the ISI had supported the Haqqani network in carrying out a string of terror attacks in Afghanistan, including  an assault on the US Embassy in Kabul.
 The premier described the US allegations as a "propaganda blitz against Pakistan" that "vitiates the atmosphere and is counter-productive".
 He added: "It tends to ignore the sacrifices by the people of Pakistan and negates all that we have endeavoured to achieve over the last so many years."

Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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