Islamabad, Sep 2 (IANS): Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has admitted that he was "not very studious" when he was a student.

Talking to a group of youngsters in a PTV programme Thursday, Gilani said: "In our age, there were less opportunities."

He added: "As a student, I was not very studious but I was an all-rounder and participated in extra-curricular activities."

"...I read poetry of Mirza Ghalib in detail," Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Gilani as saying.

He said the government was working to make the economy strong and at present Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, exports and foreign remittances are at an all- time high and the stock exchange is performing better.

Gilani said Pakistan should build a strong economy to win respect in the comity of nations.

"If you ask for money from people, they do not respect you," he said adding that people should pay their taxes to make the country strong.

"We have to improve economic conditions and create more opportunities for youth."