PCNS Chairman Senator Raza Rabbani, while presenting the revised recommendations in the parliament had said that the recommendations had been drafted unanimously, indicating that there was consent of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Rabbani said that should the parliament approve these revised recommendations, it will signal a new era when it comes to the formulation of Pakistan's foreign policy and national security. He thanked all political parties in engaging themselves for the preparation of the new revised draft.
The PCNS chairman said that before this review, the foreign policy had been an exclusive domain of the establishment. This was the first time the parliament had decided matters of the foreign policy especially with respect to the US.
"Now the foreign policy of the state is in the hands of representatives of the people of Pakistan," said Rabbani.
Earlier, Rabbani had announced that the committee had finalised the draft after reaching consensus among all the political parties. However, it was unclear whether Rehman, who was not present at the meeting, had agreed to the revisions.
According to Express News correspondent, the final draft doesn’t include an earlier condition that barred foreign countries from using Pakistani bases. Another condition that called for a ban on operations by foreign intelligence agencies was also removed from the final draft.
JUI-F chief Rehman wanted to submit his dissent note on the final draft and was earlier boycotting the proceedings of the committee, which is reviewing its recommendations regarding Pakistan’s engagement with the United States on the issue of Nato/Isaf supplies. President Asif Ali Zardari, however, on Wednesday held a meeting with Rehman and convinced him to attend the meeting today.
The committee took a two-and-a-half hour break before it finalised the recommendations.
On Thursday, the committee developed a collective opinion, linking the resumption of Nato supply lines to an end to drone strikes in Pakistan.
US looking forward to working with Pakistan after ties re-set
"We have seen that the joint session of the Pakistani parliament has just approved the final recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. We respect the seriousness with which this review has been conducted. We look forward to discussing these policy recommendations with the Government of Pakistan,” Laura Lucas, a State Department spokesperson told The Express Tribune.
Before the break
Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) submitted three additional recommendations regarding intelligence operators, reopening Nato supply line minus transport of weaponry, and halting drone strikes.
The parliamentarians who attended the bicameral PCNS meeting confided to The Express Tribune that the panel will finalise a fresh draft of recommendations regarding Pakistan-US relations, but are focusing on an additional clause that would “force the US to stop drone strikes in Pakistan”.
“We have almost finalised a new draft that…all parties agreed to,” Chairman PCNS Raza Rabbani told reporters and added that the government is trying to convince Rehman to give his proposals for the new draft.
The JUI-F continued its protest and boycotted the meeting of the PCNS reviewing its recommendations regarding Pakistan’s terms of engagement with the US. The new draft (review) came after the opposition in the joint sitting said that some of the clauses were against the interest of the state.
Correction: An earlier version of the article read "dissent" as "dissident". The error has been rectified.
COMMENTS (42)
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@Thoughful
Shooting down is a credible and legal option.
What if they start shooting back? If you shoot them down then they will be forced to establish air supremacy over the area. Air supremacy includes destroying all enemy aircraft and all offensive infrastructure such as A2A missiles, radars, runways in the area through missile strikes. This would amount to the Afghan war spreading to Pakistan. The Pak army definitely would not want to fight the US on Pakistani soil. They really dont have a stellar record in fighting wars.
Your guys did try shooting at NATO forces some time back, we all know the result
@truebluepakistani
Pakistan is not receiving any fund from US since May-2010 including CSF
Administravely, it will be interesting to see who carries these demands to the US government and were will they be delievered? I assume PAK could just wait till the SECSTATE comes to visit.
@Cautious: Yes, we will call and include you in the conference call. You are full of wisdom. You can tell them the back-up plan, the Indian version because as an Indian, you are the Trojan Horse in this Great Game.
@Harry Stone: What happens when in utter frustration a Mad Mullah lobs a few bombs in Afghanistan that everyone dreads??? What if all the NATO troops are sleep in their beds, like Pakistani troops at the Check post Sahlala, when the Mad Mullah comes riding astride the bomb?? You know the movie Dr. Strangelove depicting a US General, a person like yourself, blowing Russia to smithereens. Come on grow up. If the most powerful country in the world had a spokesman like you, then it would not be the most powerful country!!!. Your comments represent a desperate, unreliable and mentally deranged person. QED
@Blithe: " @MarkH: Kindly don’t interfere in our parliamentary process"
:-) MarkH, a Internet poster, is soo powerful that he interferes in the parliamentary process of the great Islamic republic of Pakistan? Who do you think he is ? A Pakistani army general? They are known t interfere in parliamentary processes in Pakistan.
@ Harry Stone What if Pakistan decides to screw you up in Afghanistan. Stop this bullying and stop sounding like the terrorists.
@Blithe:
Kashmir solution? Really?
When? AFTER USA leaves Afghanistan?
No matter what borders won't be changed.
India will not attacked Pakistan unless attacked by Pakistan.
Pakistan cannot defeat India.
Today defense budget is 8 times; in next 10 years it could be 18 times of a self-sufficient nation of 1.4 billion.
No doubt the USA is going to congratulate the Pakistan Parliament for it's contribution to Democracy -- and make speeches saying it regrets that the USA won't be able to meet some of the terms. So once the USA says "thanks but no thanks" the balls back in your court -- what's your next move? Hope you have a backup plan.
@Thoughtful:
What happens if the US objects to having its drones shot down? What happens when the US arms the drones with upgraded sidewinder air to air missle possessing a capability great than the PAK F16's. What happens when PAK starts to lose its F16's? What happens went the pace of spares for these F16's slow to a pace even less than the current resupply rate to NATO forces in Afg via PAK routes?
Yes PAK has lots of options. I wonder just which ones they are going to actually act upon.
The Mighty Dollar won again. Everyone in Parliament is Happy and making reservations for Disneyland. Once this Government's term expires we are going to learn exactly how far we are exposed and committed to foreign powers. These unanimous resolutions are a mechanism to hide who is voting in favor or against. Our representatives are throwing filth in our faces. People need to come out on the streets and either remove these people or die a self-respecting death. I will be right in front.
So what is the back-up plan if US does not agree to some of the 'conditions'. Will you deny land route? Examples that US may likely deny - No drones - Same nuclear deal that India has - no weapons through the air route - unconditional apology (there maybe a conditional apology but I really do not see an unconditional one in light of the report they published of the incident on Dec 23
Its all drama without substance and just a facade. Zardari and Gilani still take orders from GHQ.
What does Pakistan (the people-the country) get ?? Answer : diddly-squat.
@Cautious: Agree on your pragmatic view on what the Us will not accept. Except for the issue of drones. If Pakistan has the will it can stop the drones. Shooting down is a credible and legal option. ItsPakistani r soveregn territory and no one has the right to bomb it at will. Is thereperhaps ambiguity on good drone hits vs bad as there is for good vs bad Taliban?
@Cautious: Mind your own indian beeswax.
Mark my words: US will apologise after this resolution.
All these are achievable points, including resolution on Kashmir.
@Blithe: "@MarkH: Kindly don’t interfere in our parliamentary process " He is not interfering in your parliamentary processes, he has a right to express his opinion being one of the parties involved. Even though I don't have any such right, here is my opinion offered as a neighour. By having so many cooks , all with their own ladles, you have created a precedent which will come and bite you on your rear not very far into the future. @Azim: "India has already forced ahead from us in all aspects…." We have forged ahead, not forced ahead. We are the kind of people who don't like to force anything or anyone except when it is the only resort left.
What was this fuss all about for the last 3 months.....if this was to be decided? The current rulers have made us slaves by dictating their own terms & getting every citizen of this country pay at least $100 dollar as Credit (even for a child who has to yet to come to this world)
@proud Pakistani Like they were supposed to come to streets after raymond davis was released? or after Musharraf was given safe passage? or after the 50th drone attack on our soil? People want roti pani agar kisi ney bahar ana hota to pehley drone attack par a chukay hotey.
Many media houses are not happy with these recommendations due to their hype and expectations which were other way around. It is also a very big drawback for Difae Pakistan religious parties and some very strong non state actors. IK will also now come out with his own apprehensions. I personally think that some of the demands are only wishful thinking. Elections are on the heads of both Pakistan and USA. All demands from our part sounds and looks very respectful but to get these implemented we must first stand on our own feet at all levels..
Kudos for coming up with a plan - it's a first for Pakistan even if it's long on emotion and short on anything practical. . Your list of demands include - same nuclear deal as provided India (not going to happen), unconditional apology for Salala check point debacle (not going to happen), punishment for NATO soldiers involved in Salala check point debacle (not going to happen), no military arms delivered by air to NATO via Pakistan (not going to happen), no more verbal deals with the USA (that's always been up to you not the USA), no drone attacks (not going to happen unless you clear out the terrorist yourself), greater transit fees (never been much of an issue).
If the news reported above and quoted as below is true, then it means our parliament has given the legal space for foreign bases in Pakistan and also operations of foreign intelligence agencies in Pakistan. So here at least Musharraf stands vindicated because he was bitterly criticized by the opposition, particularly PMLN, for his above mentioned two sins. Pakistan Paindabad. Quote, " According to Express News correspondent, the final draft doesn’t include an earlier condition that barred foreign countries from using Pakistani bases. Another condition that called for a ban on operations by foreign intelligence agencies was also removed from the final draft." Unquote. As they say in local language " Game Khatum Paisa Hazam ".
Today is the historic day in the parliamentary history of Pakistan and yet again proven all the politicians are united to safe guard Pakistani interest (which actually are US interest) :P
Fake Votes....... Fake Democracy
It would be good to get a lucid account of what the resolution says. Piecemeal reporting is confusing.
@Cautious: " I suspect the days of financial and military aid are going to end — whether that’s now as a result of Parliament or in 2014 when your leverage evaporates. Might as well be now."
This would indeed be in interest of the people of Pakistan! Thanks for the speech ! On a side note, how is the weather in FL or have you retied to mexico?
Really appreciate the input by PML N on Kashmir issue and only allowing non military goods , a demand for a clear cut apology over Bajur incident.
Really happy with inputs from PML N and JUI F.
It is times like these that I feel proud to be part of a democracy.
The fundamental to any foreign policy is 'Long-term National Interest' - the important word here is LONG-TERM.
Can we as a nation agree /accept tough economic conditions that will hurt us and our families badly? if not, then it clearly means that our personal interest is more important then our 'National interest' - and there goes the 'National interest' out from the window.
Thus, given the type of nation we are, the best Foreign policy should focus on making us economically strong state, and we should be OK to compromise of issues such as NATO and DRONES. I believe no one on this planet would like to take over a country like our given the situation we are in, nor has there been any examples in recent times.
Most importantly what is there to protect in our country? The only thing that comes to my mind is our nuclear assets...not sure how it has helped us in recent times...yes may be allows us to keep India at bay...but listen, India has already forced ahead from us in all aspects....dont you notice how things have gone quite around Kashmir issue?.....the stronger player always wins the fight and India today has far more greater leverage over us given its economic momentum and attraction. Thus the best weapon any nation can have in these modern time is having economic independence and that from my view is our best choice.
And for all those who are ready to die in case they do not like foreigners, my message to them will be to 'please go and register you name and before worrying about US/NATO go and clean up all the foreign militants/ suside bombers already present'..
Pakistan Zindabad
Will the people writing for ET improve their writing standards? Why do we need English papers when the writers can not express themselves clearly. This is the first sign of slavish mentality.
I can't understand what this news item is trying to say. Will someone explain it to me. Urdu is fine, you know. Try it.
Parliament should give the public what it wants - no NATO supply line and an admonishment to the military for not stopping the drones. That should crystallize the relationship between the two countries and allow them to treat each other as two truly independent countries. . The USA has already created a backup plan for NATO supplies which will be expanded - a plan BTW which has Putin's public support. No doubt Pakistan has a similar backup plan - or maybe not. . It will be interesting to see how the USA treats Pakistan when there is no leverage or threat of extortion involved. Maybe the relationship will stabilize and perhaps improve -- or maybe it will devolve and you will end up on a terrorist list or classified as an enemy. I suspect the days of financial and military aid are going to end -- whether that's now as a result of Parliament or in 2014 when your leverage evaporates. Might as well be now.
I see they corrected dissident to dissent.
@MarkH: Kindly don't interfere in our parliamentary process
PML N Zindabad! Pakistan Piandabad!
Why is the pakistani media showing impatience with this process?
Why are we negotiating against ourselves???? Let this parliamentary process take as long as it takes.
@Much Amused....Even if they open the NATO route now...people will still come to the streets...We are fed up of this slavish attitude... No to FAKE war of terror..!!
Zardari has already pledged the resumption of NATO supply to Afghanistan but constituting committee is another effort to show that whole nation agrees to this while over whelming majority of Pakistanis do not agree on the resumption.
Molana Fazalulrehman always needed money and other lucrative offers to agree on any issue but this time he needs to secure his Constituencies in KPK to just show off the masses that he is with us not with US. Wikileaks clearly says that he needs premiership in Pakistan and he is ready to serve the US.
Its dissent note ,not dissident
Parliament has no options but to grant passage to NATO/ISAF supplies through the country. If they dont then USA and other NATO members will put the squeeze on Pakistan which it cannot afford and will hurt the poor much much more than the rich. Eventually the poor will take to the streets and that will be the end of the rich.