“We will react like a responsible country and as I said yesterday, if they (India) have some evidence or identify that Pakistani soil was used by any terrorist, we will conduct investigation,” Gilani said.

“If (the charges) are proved, we will punish the persons concerned according to our own laws because we can’t allow Pakistan’s soil to be used for terrorism. We are totally clear on this,” he told reporters during an official function at the shipyard in this southern port city.

Gilani, who had on Sunday ruled out handing over any Pakistani national found to be involved in the Mumbai attacks to any country, said that Islamabad was not acting on anyone’s pressure.

Asked about statements by Indian leaders calling on Pakistan to do more against elements in the country who were linked to the Mumbai attacks, Gilani said: “We are a responsible and strong country, we are not acting on anyone’s pressure. We know how to defend the country.”

“We don’t want to make any irresponsible statement,” he said, adding that there would be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Gilani said the US administration is undergoing a transition that is expected to lead to a change in that country’s foreign policy. “With the change of the government, I think there will be a change of policy,” he said.

Asked about Pakistan’s decision to bestow one of the country’s highest civilian honours on US Vice-President-elect Joseph Biden, a move that has been criticised by Opposition and Islamic hardline parties, Gilani said, “as far as Biden is concerned, he is pro-Pakistan. He has given a lot of support for Pakistan and democracy.”