Gilani said the outcome of the US elections would not affect Pakistan's stature as a key ally in the war on terror.

"Whoever comes to power in the US will be needing Pakistan (for the war against terror)," he said.

He said Pakistan is "not isolated" as it is "moving along with the world" in the war against terror. However, he said the US would "have to respect the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan" it its campaign against militants.

"(Pakistan is) an independent country and nobody is allowed to interfere in the sovereignty of Pakistan. This is the assurance given by President (George W) Bush to me when I went to Washington for bilateral talks with him," he said.

In recent weeks, Pakistan has complained against cross-border missile strikes and raids in its tribal areas by US-led forces in Afghanistan, saying such actions violated the country's sovereignty.

The government is holding dialogues with tribals, who have formed 'lashkars' or local militias to fight militants, Gilani said. These lashkars have said that foreigners and terrorists will not be given shelter and that action will be taken against anyone sheltering terrorists, he added.

"This is the first time such a thing has happened in Pakistan (and the) army has the full backing and support of the people of Pakistan when it takes action against terrorists.

This has sent out a good message," he said.

"We are united against terrorism and the government is committed to protecting the life and property of the people. If the government can't do that, it can't be called a government (and) there will be a free-for-all."

... contd.