ISLAMABAD: All the political and
military leaders closed ranks against
increasing American pressure for action
against Haqqani network, refusing to be
pressured into doing more in the war on
terror.
The joint resolution called
for a collective national approach to
meet all challenges and uphold
sovereignty supreme while maintaining
friendly relations with other countries
on the basis of mutual respect. The
resolution rubbished the propaganda
against Pakistan. It was a resolution
amended in the light of suggestions and
concerns from political leaders, who
demanded revamping the foreign policy in
order to avert threats to sovereignty.
The resolution laid out steps the
government need to do in order to meet
all challenges, including economic. A
parliamentary committee has been formed
to monitor progress on the resolution in
monthly meetings. The salient features
of the joint resolution are as follows .
-Pakistan wants to maintain friendly relations with all countries.
-There needs to be a new policy and direction to further national interest.
-Proper mechanism be laid out for talks with stakeholders in the process for peace.
-Pakistan would maintain and promote government-to-government and people-to-people contacts with Afghanistan.
-The international community must acknowledge Pakistan s sacrifices in the war on terror.
-Pakistan would enhance self-reliance, through trade not aid.
-Defence and sovereignty of Pakistan comes supreme.
-National interest would guide Pakistan s policies in every field.
-Disputes would be resolved under the Un charter.
-All earlier resolutions of the parliament must be implemented.
-The allegations levelled by US officials are baseless and without substantial proof/evidence.
-Defence forces have full support in their job to defend the motherland.
-A
parliamentary committee will monitor progress of joint resolution on a
monthly basis. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani brought together
opposition leaders, members of his fragile coalition and military
commanders in a rare "all-party conference" designed to forge unity in
the latest showdown with Washington. "American statements shocked us,
and negate our sacrifices and successes in the on-going war against
terror," Gilani told the gathering in opening remarks. But the
Pakistani leader sought to lower tensions with the United States,
saying that differences should be resolved through talks. "We should
give up talking about assumptions for the sake of meaningful
negotiations. Pakistan cannot be pressurised to do more. Our national
interests should be respected. Our doors are open for dialogue," Gilani
said. The ISI chief, Lt General Ahmad Shuja Pasha and Foreign
Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, who has returned from talks in the United
States and at the UN General Assembly, earlier briefed the conference.
More than 50 delegates attended, including Chief of Army Staff
General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and heads
of Islamic parties such as Fazlur Rehman and JI Ameer Munawwar Hassan.
PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif said during the conference that he had
reservations about non-implementation of earlier resolution (on
Abbottabad raid). He said there cannot be smoke without fire. No one
but COAS Gen Kayani himself replied to Nawaz, saying I can explain you
the situation in order to end your reservations. JI Ameer Munawwar
Hassan told Nawaz Sharif to understand the gravity of the situation.
The military representatives said that they were cheated on the May 02
incident (of Abbottabad raid). PML-N’s Ch Nisar appeared aloof during
the APC, while Sheikh Rasheed appeared in a deliberate effort to stay
quiet. While the ISI DG was delivering his speech, Nawaz and Munawwar
started bickering, with Nawaz saying all matters be presented before
parliament. Nawaz said PM Gilani declared the Abbottabad incident a
great victory, while it was in itself an attack on Pakistan’s
sovereignty. PTI chief Imran Khan refused to sign the draft
resolution, saying the government should first endeavour to have
dialogues to seek an end to fighting in tribal areas. Imran said he
would veto the resolution as practical steps were not being taken.
The military representatives also said that Pakistan would retaliate
fully in case of any new US raid. Online
