Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani discusses trade, rising prices, Benazir Bhutto, terrorism and Kashmir as he arrives in Kuala Lumpur for the D-8 forum.

A: After signing the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MP-CEPA), bilateral trade is bound to increase manyfold. Ma-laysian exports to Pakistan are mainly in edible oils. We are glad that our needs are being met by a friendly country.

When a free trade agreement is fully implemented and businesses are aware of its implications, the balance of bilateral trade will improve and more avenues of cooperation will open up.

With the MP-CEPA, the two governments have provided an environment for the promotion of trade, a boost in bilateral investment and an increase in economic cooperation. Our businessmen, particularly in the corporate sector, need to play leading role for the country's economic development.

Pakistan recognises that economic relations between the two countries are not commensurate with our excellent political relations. Both countries need to encourage business-to-business interaction.

Both countries have huge consumer markets where almost all traditional and non-traditional items of trade have a demand.

There is a need to exploit this potential to support the industrial growth of both countries. In this regard, both countries should explore opportunities for cooperation in science and technology, tele-communications, tourism and finance.

Q: Are there plans to increase the number of Pakistani workers in Malaysia?

A: The export of manpower from Pakistan to Malaysia remains a priority for the government. The number of Pakistani workers here last year was about 7,300.

We are pleased that Pakistani workers are contributing to the economic development of Malaysia. Pakistan will consider any additional requirement of manpower by Malaysia.

Q: What is Pakistan's strategy to increase cooperation with Asean countries?

A: Pakistan has emphasised the development of its relations with East Asia in its economic and trade relations. It is negotiating bilateral free trade agreements with Indonesia and Singapore. A free trade agreement with Asean is also being studied. We intend to attain the status of a full dialogue partner of Asean.

Q: How can the D-8 forum help to overcome the problems of rising food and fuel prices in its member countries?

A: It is known to all that skyrocketing food and oil prices are a global phenomenon and the whole world is experiencing this pressure.

The D-8 forum consists of eight developing countries with almost 15 per cent of the population of the globe, which is rich in natural resources and human capital.

The member countries can help each other by capitalising and augmenting each other's potential, by helping each other to tap resources and by sharing experiences in various sectors.

I suggest that to overcome rising food and oil prices, member countries should pool their resources and invest in research and development of alternative and renewable energy, and employing technology to overcome environmental concerns.

Secondly, there are large uncultivated lands that could be made available for agriculture.

Q: Has there been progress in the investigation into the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto?

A: The newly-elected national assembly has passed a resolution for a United Nations investigation into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. The matter is under consideration in the UN.

Q: What is the status of the deposed judges in Pakistan?

A: The government believes in the independence of the judiciary and rule of law and is committed to restoring the judges.

It is the desire of our government to resolve this issue at the earliest.

But it is a sensitive legal issue and we want to handle it in a proper manner.

The constitutional package framed by the legal experts of the Pakistan People's Party has been circulated among the coalition partners. They are studying it and weighing its pros and cons. It will be tabled in Parliament after feedback is obtained from our allies.

Q: Pakistan's peace talks in the tribal areas have come under criticism by the international community. How do you address these concerns?

A: Pakistan remains firm in its commitment to fight terrorism and extremism.

We have been moving forward step by step.

Our course of action is based on a strategy to counter the threat of terrorism and extremism -- which includes political, economic and military measures -- to find immediate and long-term solutions.

Therefore, we are employing peaceful means including dialogue, in addition to use of force where necessary, for addressing the problem of terrorism.

That's why we have been negotiating with our tribal leaders and not with the terrorists and the premise of these negotiations is to put an end to militancy and terrorism.

We feel that the use of force alone could lead to self-perpetuating violence.

However, the determination to use force where required remains an important element of our strategy. Our international partners are kept informed.

Some countries have expressed an understanding of this policy.

All our efforts are aimed at saving our nation from violence, and marching ahead on the road to progress, prosperity and peace. There has been a considerable decrease in terrorist action over the last couple of months.

The fight against terrorism cannot be won merely through short-term military, legislative or administrative measures.

A long-term strategy needs to be evolved to address the factors that contribute to the growth of, and support for, terrorism. We need to address the underlying causes of terrorism if we want peace and prosperity at the global level.

Q: What is Pakistan's response to UN sanctions against Iran?

A: Pakistan recognises Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the framework of Non-Prolieration Treaty and under its obligations.

At the same time, Pakistan hopes that issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme will be resolved through dialogue and through the good offices of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Any initiation of conflagration would have disastrous consequences for the region and the world at large.

Q: How is the relationship with India, especially with the Kashmir dispute?

A: Pakistan agrees on the need to address the Kashmir dispute. This issue is at the heart of conflict between Pakistan and India.

We believe that opportunity exists that must be seized to reach a just settlement of this longstanding dispute which is acceptable to Pakistan, India and to the people of Kashmir.