LAHORE:
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) will attend the All Parties Conference (APC) due to be held on September 29 in Islamabad. Up to 70 representatives from various political parties will attend the conference convened by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to discuss recent US allegations and threats directed at Pakistan.
Mushahidullah-Khan, the PML-N’s information secretary, said that party president Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other leaders made the decision to join the APC at a meeting. Sources in the party told The Express Tribune that their representatives would demand answers from the government on the Haqqani network.
The sources said the PML-N wants GIlani to call joint session of the two houses, adding that the party will seek a long session in which parliamentarians have the right to air their opinions and quiz the government.
Khan said that the track records of past governments has been inadequate, citing the resolutions on the war on terror and May 2 as examples of important causes consigned to the dustbin. He claimed that the PML-N is the sole party standing alongside the people of Pakistan.
When asked if the PML-N would propose attacks against the Haqqanis, Khan said it was time to prioritise national security in the face of US threats. Ahsan Iqbal was also critical of the incumbent government which, he said, had continued the secret policies and contracts with the US which were signed during the presidency of General Musharraf. He added that the government has not yet implemented resolutions passed by the houses on October 12, 2008, and May 2, 2011. Iqbal also had a dig at the appointment of Hina Rabbani Khar as foreign minister, describing her as too ‘immature’ for the role.
Government ready for APC
Sources told The Express Tribune that all necessary arrangements have been made for the vital meetings on Thursday. Gilani has also contacted former premier Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and extended an invitation for the APC.
“The prime minister will present a comparison between his elected government and the Musharraf regime in dealing with all national issues,” a senior official said.
Following the premier’s opening statement, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and ISI chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha will brief the participants.
“The government will also take participants into confidence on the positive outcomes of the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan,” the official added.
Imran Khan to join APC
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has also agreed to participate in the APC. The party chairman Imran Khan, along with Secretary General Dr. Arif Alvi and Vice President for National Security and Foreign Affairs Dr Shireen Mazari, will attend the conference. (With additional reporting by Aamir Ilyas Rana)
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2011.
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"i am a pro american guy".... Main nawaz to american ambassador... lolz
Through cooperation,mutual dialogues, smily faces and happy mode all issues can be solved easily and maintained peace.for this purpose one must have honesty ,unbiased mind,and respect for oneanother rights.
Mandi Bahauddin: Lt Gen Faiz Ali Chishti when addressing members of National Council Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) lauded foreign minister Hinna Rabbani Khar for taking bold stance where by she warned US against crossing the "red lines" and making her country a "scapegoat" for its failed objectives in Afghanistan. This was told by Major Nasir Javed vice president PESS Mandi Bahauddin to media persons in the evening here when he along with other ex-servicemen came back from Rawalpindi after attending the PESS National Council meeting held there under chairmanship of Faiz Ali Chishti. According to Major Nasir Javed Gen Chishti said that there were many pressmen who criticized government for appointing Khar as foreign minister but she by making bold stand had proved better than many past foreign ministers. He said Rabbinic’s warning in an upright manner that US would loose Pakistan as an ally if it committed mistake of sending troops in Pakistan was a strong message that had shaken US and other stake holders to revisit their strategies. Rabbani had represented true feelings of the people, he added. The General said slogan of PESS is “accountability” and unless it was not enforced in true spirit people of Pakistan would continue facing miseries. Major Nasir further told that meeting participants in their speeches criticized government for failing to enforce accountability and upholding rule of law. They urged ex-servicemen of the country to organize on PESS platform to bring an end to corrupt culture gripping the society. The participants resolved to reorganize the society at grass root level and hold fresh elections. Gen Chishti said that he with his team would watch election progress in every district and in this respect a program had already been prepared. He said ex-servicemen were part of civil society and they should make their place by working hard to fight against evil elements to reform the society.
former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali*
ET if all other parties are attending APC then why mentioned only PMLN in headline. What a bios attitude, ET you know how is the famous leader and famous party according to recent survey's? IK or PTI so give due coverage and avoid favoritism.