War on terror: Sharif wants agreement with US made public
“I think the time has come to tell the nation the terms on which we engaged with the US in the war on terror,” Sharif told media on Friday.
He addressed the media a day after a marathon conference of top political and military leaders, convened by the Prime Minister, to build consensus in the aftermath of allegations by American security officials against Pakistan’s premier spy agency.
“It would not help us in the long run if we move ahead with that much secrecy … it will hurt the nation and the national interest,” the twice-former premier said while briefing the media about the points he raised at the All Parties Conference (APC).
Baloch leaders left out
Nawaz also called for extending peace overtures to Balochistan.
Several key leaders from the province were either not invited to Thursday’s APC or opted not to attend it because of their scepticism about the government’s intentions.
He praised Prime Minister Gilani for holding the conference at such a critical juncture but said it would have been better had all the Baloch nationalists also been invited.
Avoiding drones
Like the resolution passed at Thursday’s APC, Sharif deflected a question on drone strikes.
Earlier, he was highly critical of country’s defence authorities for their inaction when American commandos killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in a unilateral raid.
He said his party was against any direct military action by Americans inside Pakistan.
The PML-N chief also proposed to devise long-term national agenda, with the consensus of all political parties and other stakeholders. No political party can steer the nation out of the crises it faces, single-handedly, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2011.
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