(PTI) Notwithstanding repeated US assertions that its nuclear agreement with India was a unique one based on New Delhi's impeccable non-proliferation record, Pakistan today said it wanted a similar deal with Washington.Pakistan intends to ask the US for a nuclear deal akin to the one finalised with India, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told a news conference in his hometown of Multan, where he is spending the Eid holidays.
He also said that Pakistan's strategic importance as a frontline country in the war against terrorism will remain intact no matter whoever wins the US presidential election. "They cannot think of fighting terrorism and extremism without the support of Pakistan," Gilani said.
Referring to Democratic US presidential nominee Barack Obama's statement about unilateral strikes on terrorists in Pakistani areas bordering Afghanistan, Gilani said he did not take such comments seriously as the candidates issue them for a domestic audience during poll campaigns.
Statements by the US presidential candidates should not be a cause of concern as Pakistan enjoys good relations with America that will continue even after the presidential election, he added.
Pakistan has multi-dimensional cooperation with the US in areas like defence, intelligence, education and health, the Premier remarked. He said that during his recent visit to the US, he met President George W Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and defence and treasury officials.