PM Gilani: 1973 Constitution would be restored to its true spirit; 13 militants killed in fresh clashes in Swat; Clinton: Pakistan has emerged as home to a "syndicate of terrorism"; US sets conditions for talks with Taliban
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  • Pakistan PM Yousuf Gilani, speaking at the convocation of the International Islamic University on July 12, stated his determination to change the present “hotch-potch” system of government, which according to him was neither presidential nor parliamentary. Asserting that the 1973 Constitution would be restored to its true spirit, he favoured a truly federal parliamentary system1.

    Security forces on July 15 killed 13 militants in fresh clashes at Kabal town in Swat. The town is reportedly being seen as a likely hideout for Taliban leadership. The Pakistan Army on its part claimed that more than 1,700 militants have been killed in the two months offensive in the Swat region while about 160 security personnel lost their lives2.

    In a major foreign policy speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington on July 15, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that the US was willing to engage those Taliban fighters who had given up violence. She also acknowledged Pakistan’s key position in bringing peace to Afghanistan3.

    Secretary Clinton, currently on a five-day visit to India stated that the US was keeping a close watch on the actions being taken by Pakistan against terrorists. She added that Pakistan had emerged as home to a "syndicate of terrorism" involving the al-Qaeda, Taliban and many other terror organisations “… connected in a way that is deeply troubling to us, and I know to India.” Clinton also expressed the hope that the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks would meet their "day of reckoning" soon4.

    In domestic developments, the Pakistan Supreme Court on July 17 acquitted former PM Nawaz Sharif of hijacking charges, effectively removing the last legal hurdle for him to run for public office. Sharif was earlier convicted of hijacking charges in 2000 and went into exile in Saudi Arabia5.

    In other developments, UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned the killing of a UNHCR official and his bodyguard in the northwestern city of Peshawar on July 166.

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