Pakistan needs ‘Marshal Plan’ to overcome economic problems

DailyTimes.com

ISLAMABAD: In their separate meetings with US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke on Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani discussed a number of issues, including the country’s economic and security situation.

President Zardari said Pakistan needed a ‘Marshal Plan’ to overcome its economic problems. He urged the international community, particularly the US, to come forward and help the country fight the Taliban. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gilani informed Holbrooke that Washington should share credible and actionable intelligence with Pakistan and provide it drone aircraft and other much-needed equipment to enable Pakistan’s armed forces to take on the terrorists.

Drone attacks: Gilani said the continued drone attacks in FATA had proved counterproductive and impeded Pakistan’s efforts to fight militancy.

The prime minister urged the US to come forward in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase in Swat and Malakand, as the displaced population had begun returning home. Gilani also urged the US to ensure the early passage of the Kerry-Luger bill and reconstruction opportunity zones (ROZs) bills from the US Congress.

Holbrooke assured the PM and the president of the US government’s continued support to Pakistan.