Prime Minister Nawaz said he would draft a comprehensive policy on Kashmir and other issues after consulting all political parties. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
JEDDAH:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday said the United States has warned that the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project could invoke sanctions on the country in the future.
Some 48 hours earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Aizaz Chaudhry had disclosed that the government had presented US Secretary of State John Kerry a ‘non-paper’ over the IP pipeline, conveying Pakistan’s standpoint that the project was being undertaken to address the country’s acute energy requirements.
In the past too Washington has voiced serious concerns about the pipeline project. Earlier this year, then US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said that Pakistan risked sparking US sanctions if it pursues its plans to build the $7.5 billion gas pipeline.
Speaking to a delegation of the Pakistan Journalists Forum at Sharif Villa, the residence of his son Hussain Nawaz Sharif, on Sunday, the prime minister said that he had clearly conveyed Pakistan’s demand to end the CIA-led drone campaign during his meeting with Secretary Kerry.
On Thursday, the US secretary of state held out the hope that the controversial drone campaign could end ‘very soon’. His comments, made during an interview with PTV, were subsequently downplayed by US officials.
Talking to reporters, Prime Minister Nawaz said he would draft a comprehensive policy on Kashmir and other issues after consulting all political parties. He called for ending the arms race in the region and urged India to join Pakistan in reducing the two country’s defence budgets.
“Regional peace will remain under threat until there is a balance in armament… We want peace and for that both countries [India and Pakistan] must put a cap on their defence spending,” he said.
“No one, apart from common people, has suffered from the wars between us.”
Replying to a question on Afghanistan, the premier said the country will adopt a policy of ‘non-interference’. Pakistan will not support a particular group in Afghanistan at the expense of others, he maintained, adding that Pakistan supports the Doha process because it is expected to serve regional and international interests.
In response to another question, Premier Nawaz said a commission was investigating allegations against former president Pervez Musharraf and that he would refrain from commenting on the matter till it compiled its report. He added that he did not believe in the politics of revenge.
Talking about the country’s energy crisis, he said it was sad that a nuclear power was beset by chronic electricity shortage. Generating power would not have been such a difficult matter, he said, had previous governments fulfilled their responsibilities and devised plans to meet the shortage.
“Had they done some work on this end, the situation would have been much different,” he contended, adding that since his government had to start from ‘scratch’, it would take some time to solve the crisis.
“The electricity deficit will be dealt within three to four years,” Prime Minister Nawaz reiterated. He announced that the government was working on a dam that would both end the country’s power woes and benefit the agriculture sector. The premier said work on the Thar coal project was also being carried out and would help overcome the power crisis.
Prime Minister Nawaz said Pakistan was confronted by several challenges at the moment, such as terrorism, sectarianism, power shortage, economic woes and depleted resources. He said that these challenges would be solved with mutual cooperation.
He stressed that Pakistan will have to adopt the rule of law, end the scourge of terrorism and extremism, and create a new political culture in order to be a civilised nation.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 5th, 2013.
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Pride is for nobility. Independent sovereign actions are by countries which are sovereing. Pakistan is not economically sovereign. Far from it. Therefore we cannot tell the US. We can only suggest. And if they disagree we cannot.
The question is why did we have to embarrass our friend Iran a year ago by calling Ahmedinejad to agree to open the pipeline's Pakistan side together with our President. When we knew all along that we can never go ahead with the Irani supplied gas.
Here in Pakistan there is a loadshedding of 15 hours and yet americans want to cancel this deal with Iran. What will pakistan do with their energy crisis. A lot of countris are buying oil from Iran but when it comes to pakistan they talks about sanctions.
We got independence in 1947 but our mentality of living under British rule never changes, what is the point and sovereignty and independence if US/Nato have to dictate us in every decision.
John Kerry don't have to stand in hours long queue to purchase CNG from filling station neither they have to suffer whole night electricity black out with 47-51 DegC temperature in peak summers yet they're advising us to live in the same pathetic way.
Better we should gift this land and its people to US and they're free to do whatever they want.
Most of the comments here show a distinct lack of understanding of the nature of geo-politics in the region. The 500-pound gorilla in the region is NOT the US but Saudi Arabia. When Riyadh doesn't wan't the IP gas pipeline to go through, it wont. Simple. 'They use the US as a proxy when it comes to issuing ultimatums.
So what is new!!!
@Khan: lol ! As if your leaders care for your industry !
As the saying goes " it's the economy stupid" .. So be intelligent in your choice of development
"He stressed that Pakistan will have to adopt the rule of law, end the scourge of terrorism and extremism, and create a new political culture in order to be a civilised nation." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pakistan is already a civlized nation. What NS meant was to be a more civilized nation:).
@Feroz: This is a fact.America would not like Pakistan's good ties with Iran as international restrictions against Iran are in effect. Apart from this might is right too.
@Azeem: @Safia:
Of course Zardari signed the project - just before end of his and his party's much anticipated tenure and knowing that he won't be in the next govt therefore having the subsequent govt bear the brunt of the mighty U and K of SAs. One needs guts to stand up to bullies, which unfortunately NS doesn't have.
Beware friends, Its PPP and Asif ali Zardari who planned and signed this project, will you give the due to the devil.
Dateline Jeddah??? Looks like the Saudis have put their foot down. No point in blaming USA Mr Sharif, their stance was known long before. It is obvious who really wants to pull the plug on this pipeline.
It is a problem with Pakistan where coward and sold bureaucrats do not how to fight cases being with fake degrees and safarishy promotions,India after obeying order for four months suffered serious set back,reverting back to Iran oil supply.
@Ali Tanoli: No Sir! The Simla talks were held to address all the Indo-Pakistan issues after Bangladesh became free. India was holding more than a lac of Pakistani PoWs surrendered by Gen Niazi! That time this agreement was discussed. ZAB agreed to an 'understanding' that LoC would be considered an international border but was not ready to add it in writing as he felt it would mean a defeat in the election that was to follow! IG magnanimously agreed on this 'understanding' and the rest is history!
@ Sri Varahadev Re: “Meanwhile Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should walk the talk of reduced defence expenditure and forthwith reduce Pakistan’s defence spending to below the per capita and percentage to GDP level of defence spending in India. “ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tsk ….. Tsk ………. You have failed to be sensitive to the deeply held belief in Pakistan that one Muslim Pakistani equals ten Hindu Indians. Therefore you ought to have said that in order to “walk the talk” Pakistan reduce defence spending to below one tenth of the per capita and one tenth of percentage to GDP level of defence spending in India.
@ Sri Varahadev Re: “Meanwhile Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should walk the talk of reduced defence expenditure and forthwith reduce Pakistan’s defence spending to below the per capita and percentage to GDP level of defence spending in India. “ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tsk ….. Tsk ………. You have failed to be sensitive to the deeply held belief in Pakistan that one Muslim Pakistani equals ten Hindu Indians. Therefore you ought to have said that in order to “walk the talk” Pakistan reduce defence spending to below one tenth of the per capita and one tenth of percentage to GDP level of defence spending in India.
@SM: "Is it American sanction threat or Saudi King’s order Mr. PM?"NO NO, Its CHRONOLOGICAL Saudi VIRUS that is dictating.
I want to impose section from USA then we will be stand own foot as past when we build Atom Bomb. Its better time to leave USA and fulfill own requirement through this deal.** We have only too much lost in the name of terror consequently we are facing huge trouble in economics.
Current military spending is weakening Pakistan. Reducing military spending from current levels will weaken Pakistan. The Taliban are tossing bombs at will in Pakistan. The Americans are waiting to puncture an already deflated Pakistani economy. The Saudi's are on the way to annexing Pakistan in all but name. Even Afghanistan has become a major player in Pakistan's (mis)fortunes. India just has to be around in order for Pakistan to self-destruct. With such problems there's only one effective therapy: divert yourself by making more nukes!
@np, I am talking about position on IP. @K B Kale, Yes I heard of that but Shimla conference was about East Pakistan to became bangla desh not on Kashmir which is a core issue between both countries conflict and is the reason of arm race in indopak contienent which should be solved by any mean and status of Kashmir should be decided by kashmiris.
“We want peace and for that both countries [India and Pakistan] must put a cap on their defence spending"
Whatever happened to the thundering national sloganeering that Pakistan would ”eat grass” in its obsession to box way above its weight class and militarily match India?
Meanwhile Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should walk the talk of reduced defence expenditure and forthwith reduce Pakistan’s defence spending to below the per capita and percentage to GDP level of defence spending in India. Till that is done, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should be content for Pakistan to eat grass and refrain from spouting any hypocritical homilies on India capping defence spending.
Because we have the begging bowl. You cannot ask for alms and then not listen to the biggest donor/influencer of World Bank, IMF, ADB, etc.
Because we sold our economic sovereignty years ago.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui
Last time I looked the USA was your largest export customer, has monopoly on replacement parts for most of your high tech air force, and effectively control IMF and other international lenders -- sounds like a potential problem to me.
@Ali Tanoli: "We need man like Imran khan who can make decision like Z.A Bhutto made in the past and talking like sheeps not gonna work mian ji. be a man."
Yep a man like Bhutto tried to bully Mujibur Rehman and partition happened. Are you suggesting that Mian saab should try to bully India? Using what threat - another Kargill?
@Ali Tanoli: We can solve the Kashmir problem ONLY by accepting today's LoC as the new International border! It is believed that ZAB had agreed to this 'in principle' but didn't want to include it in writing as one of the clauses in Simla Agreement! Unfortunately, today IG, ZAB & BB are no more & this part will always remain a mystery. But there is NO OTHER SOLUTION except making LoC as the new International border!
So why is this news? USA made it's position clear on this matter a long time ago - neither China or Russia think the USA is bluffing when it comes to retaliation for anyone who participates in the IP and no doubt Pakistan leaders talk about IP has been another distraction to bolster public confidence while having zero substance. You haven't the money to built it, can't find anyone to finance it, don't have the money to pay for the gas, haven't figured out how to protect it if it's ever built, haven't addressed what happens if Iran shuts down trade the next time you have a Sunni/Shia massacre, and last I read the famous inauguration ceremony was nothing but a photo op where you didn't actually sign a contract, didn't select a contractor, and didn't lay any pipeline.
He called for ending the arms race in the region and urged India to join Pakistan in reducing the two country’s defence budgets. Pakistan should first reduce its defence budget to that of Indian budget - percentage wise and then talk about arms reduction with India.
@Alann why u guys forget we had four wars with india in the past on Kashmir just solve the problem every thing will be fine.
@SGJ007 Yes india Israel and America don't wrong in the world they are like naked sadhus of india...
NS is in a peculiar situation. Firstly he is in no position to ask India to reduce its defence budgets, as compared to India's total economy, its defence budget is already significantly small. What NS needs to do is reduce Pakistan's defence budget irrespective of whether India does it or not. What Pakistan does not realise is that, no matter how big India's budget is, India is effectively tackling terrorism. There are no everyday bomb blasts in India. And most importantly, every sector in India has sufficient budget allocations, be it education, research, industries, power generation and many other things. Pakistan has no competition in that case with India. But then, even if Nawaz Sharif decided to reduce their own defence spending, it is not possible to him either! If India doesn't do it and if Pakistan's civilian government decides to do it, that will be a big enough reason for the military to takeover country and impose martial law. Also, India's nuclear weapons production is going at a slow rate because it feels it has more than enough deterrences to counter China (and Pakistan). Whereas, Pakistan is in a race with itself in nuke production and it will not stop till it has comparable amount of nukes as that of USA. So in short, the term "balance in armament" wont be achieved till Pakistan subsequently scales back its own defence spending instead of waiting for India to act. Because economically, Pakistan is nowhere near India and India's defence budget is almost equal to Pakistan's whole budget. There can't be "regional peace" till Pakistan tries to compete with India for all the wrong reasons and till it loosens its grip on Islamisation. As for the oil part, Pakistan won't be in this position today if it hadn't spent all its peoples' wealth on militarisation (as well as the "parallel military forces", aka the strategic assets) instead of economic development.
We need man like Imran khan who can make decision like Z.A Bhutto made in the past and talking like sheeps not gonna work mian ji. be a man.
@lol: Yes ! India is worlds largest importer of arms. but India never threatened any nation of aggression nor do India have any non state actors or militia to support under the name of religion .
@truthbetold: Just like Iraq WMDs, your opinion seems very factual.
Is it Americas objection you are worried about .......... or KSA's objection ?
Really ...As of 2012, India has 20 nuclear reactors in operation in six nuclear power plants, generating 4,780 MW. USA continues to patronize our neighbor on a civil nuclear power deal. Moreover , the world witnessed the significant leap forward for U.S.-India relations this week when Secretary of State John Kerry announced American nuclear equipment supplier Westinghouse Electric Co. would sign a “commercial agreement” to sell nuclear reactors to India’s Nuclear Power Corporation by September .
PM Sb stop compromising on National Interest ...its time for you to build some credibility ..don't loose it !
Finally result of Saudi visit. This person will never allow Pakistan to be strong decision maker!
Kerry stated resumption of strategic dialogue with Pakistan. So that naturally meant this. Aligning with America's foreign policy on every significant issue, surely Nawaz is General Zia's true disiciple. The Americans have groomed him, supported him to win these elections and now its payback time.
@Sonya: why not follow their dictat, if follow their belief system. if saudi wants to sell their resources.let them come up with proposal. nyways its their belief system that region has adopted over time which has brought them face to face with problem of being not civilised. good education is one way- without warped history txts....before modern belief system- this land thralled with intelligence that moved away from this region--why not reclaim that glory?
Most unfortunate but not unexpected. NS just can't stand upto USA / Saudi might.
One Good turn Deserves another +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Just learnt that it applies to Pipelines as well.
No one, apart from common people, has suffered from the wars between us.” +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Right. But the Pakistani generals gained......lots of corner plots.
Is the payment going to be through USAID? Then US has every right to object it.... and there seems to be no other way Pak is going to pay Iran other than donated money....
Clever Nawaz. +++++++++++ This is merely a negotiating tactic to make Iran fully finance the project and a couple of years of supply of gas free. The only problem is that the Iranians are cleverer.
"We want peace and for that both countries [India and Pakistan] must put a cap on their defence spending,”" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Wow the guy sounds like an enthusiastic statesman. Btw did he check with Kayani about capping mil expenses?:) I do hope that the plane carrying NS lands uneventfully in Islamabad.
Coal Bed Methane (CBM) from Thar is the answer BUT UNFORTUNATELY NO ONE IS PAYING ATTENTION TO OUR OWN RESOURCES. 3 TO 5 TRILLION CUBIC FEET IS RECOVERABLE FROM THAR COAL FIELDS. I request PM and CM, Sindh to look into this.
"Talking to reporters, Prime Minister Nawaz said he would draft a comprehensive policy on Kashmir and other issues after consulting all political parties." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Another APC?:)
Foreign Office spokesperson Aizaz Chaudhry : Go Azaz Go. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ His new assignment: Head of Clerks in FO.
@Ashkenazi:
"Why bully smaller colonies?"
Because the "small colony" proliferated nuke technology by selling Iran the nuke bomb technology and centrifuges. Iran then went ahead to use this technology in violation of its treaty with the international community. So, Pakistan is responsible and accountable for the current Iran nuke crisis.
Thanks for breaking the news Mr. PM what was the alternative presented to IP gas pipeline?
Show some leadership Mr. PM !
I crticized Mr. ZARDI in his Tenure. BUT now I can say YOU ARE BRAVE!
The IP pipeline project has always been a showcase in the politics of the country. It has never been taken seriously by the GOP and has been treated it as a bargaining chip. The whole game is finally over after Nawaz met Kerry and later went to Saudia. This is a very big victory for the USA and Saudia combine. We Pakistanis love to get kicked and slapped by America cum Saudia because our wealthy are unpatriotic to the country and are here only for the milch. The citizens can go fry themselves as far as the politicians are concerned. Salams
now....why blame musharraf for joining US on war on terror ?
saudi arab used to b most favored nation of pakistanis but not any more from the time it has started to act like our master. we say zardari was corrupt but at least he was not selling our independence to saudi and america. Zardari was running an independent foreign policy. This ip pipeline is not a single project but an huge oil refinary, electricity transmission, lng import, favorable barter trade from iran and much more is at risk. We should go ahead with our friendship with iran and make it our basic block of soverign foreign policy otherwise we are gonna isolate ourself in our region.
what's happening man? taliban threatening, USA also threatening? next afghan also will threat?
what else can we expect from him anyway? Our KSA masters weren't happy with this project and with PMLN in power, it was always on the cards.
It means that Zardari was better then you who took pressure and signed this project and you are not able to carry on, shame on you.
A very pragmatic approach by the PM. This will make us self sufficient by developing our own resources rather than depending on imports. We should explore for more gas reserves, build kalabagh dam etc. In today's world we cannot survive as an outcast. Ghairat and economy don't go together.
@عرل: u dont care but Nawaz cares....
Why bully smaller colonies?
USA is NOT God so that Pakistan should listen as what God is saying.
Let the USA mind its own business and Pakistan sould move ahead for the gas pipeline with Iran.
If USA put sanctions that should not be a problem for Pakistan.
It is time that we should break the begging bowl made in USA and stand on our own feet.
We Pakistanis also never have to forget this harsh reality that not only US but Saudi Arabia has opposed Iran-Pakistan oil and gas projects.The difference is only this that US says openly in clear words.....
Consider this..Iran with immense resources is having inflation rate of over 40%. Can we survive sanctions is the real question. We trust that Mian Sahib will take every step in the best interest of Pakistan.
No wonder he went to Saudia Arab . This was bound to happen ever since PML N won the elections.
pakistan must remain firm on their promise with iran, why showing apologetic attitude to US, only for few dollars, it looks as if pakistan is just a colony of US, everything we want to do here we must take permission from US, it is unethical to cancel the project at this time, if this project was not in our interest we should have taken it into account before making promise, i dont know when we will start behaving rationally.
What else one would expect from a Pakistani Prime minister visiting Jeddah ? Fate of IP gas line was sealed the day NS won elections.
Previous government should be held fully n unconditionally responsible to sign this agreement n accepting it's terms/conditions n if question of punitive damages arises it needs to be collected from it's portfolio n paid. Previous governments individuals (champions of such action), knowing very well that this project will have NO smooth sealing, Western sanctions on Iran n most importantly Pakistan's position "cannot afford" or even think to face western sanctions due to these individuals haphazard singing.
Previous government has already pursued it. So, no question about going backwards.
Don't bow for America show some backbone! Or be a slave they won't sanction..
The US position is inexplicable. How can Pakistan trying to ease its energy crisis by getting Iranian gas harm their interests?
I admire Nawazsahab because he has shown courage in saying that both countries should reduce their defense expenditure. He is a real Statesman! He can hopefully solve the Kashmir problem by accepting today's LoC as the new International border! It is believed that ZAB had agreed to this 'in principle' but didn't want to include it as one of the clauses in Simla Agreement! Unfortunately, today Indira Gandhi, ZAB & BB are no more & this part will always remain a mystery. But there is no other solution except making LoC as International border and the pragmatic PM of Pakistan knows it!
Washington and Saudia Arabia ( real reason ) do not approve. PM is looking for an excuse to be out if it
This guy can't do anything right.
This guy can't do anything right!
Go ahead mr PM, for once lets do what is in our best interest. Lets build this pipeline! InshALLAH
India is the worlds largest arms importer and Pakistan is fighting a war on a peace time budjet, India is building more forward operating air bases. Who should cap spending ? us or india
So Saudis made their move. Nawaz Backing away from IP deal. But he did not explain how will Pakistan make up for the penalty to Iran in case of not importing gas?
You got to be kidding Is this an independent foreign policy? How do we blame Musharraf for acquiescing to US Demands post 9-11
A gift fom Saudia to Pakistanis - live in darkness.
From Jeddah...with love - We all know who is against IP pipeline project
IP pipeline dead, talk with TTP in Doha dead and Pakistan softened its stand on drone otherwise Kerry had historic visit. Drones are controlled by CIA and not State Department. Stay tuned for more revelations and story behind those smiling diplomatic niceties.
Pakistan must go ahed with this project bcz otherwise our industry is disappearing slowly slowly due to lack of Gas and electricity. We should build more dams as well.
Is it American sanction threat or Saudi King's order Mr. PM??
Mianji: Please do not forget that India also has a big problem with your all-weather friend, CHINA. Every thing India does is not necessarily aimed against Pakistan, albeit the latter may think so. Also, please remember KARGIL when you say Pakistan only wants peace with India, implying that the feeling is not mutual.
Arms race......... India spends about 2.5% of GDP on defence.......Its Pakistan who wants to balance India........But they re free to do so..........
1) change the name of Kakabagh dam to Unity Dam
2) pre-agree irrigation water and electricity from the dam to the four federating units
3) Build it!!!
"Speaking to a delegation of the Pakistan Journalists Forum at Sharif Villa, the residence of his son Hussain Nawaz Sharif, on Sunday"
That just sums up why our country is in such crises,People are suffering with all kind of problems and our dear PM is enjoying in the lavish villas of Jeddah which are made of looted money from Pakistan
Scrap this plan, so any nation will think twice before making any deal with Pakistan.
But did you ask him for civil nuclear technology in that case? did you fight for Pakistan's needs and basic rights to pursue power source?
"No one, apart from common people, has suffered from the wars between us.". While I wholeheartedly endorse this statement from the Pakistani PM, I do not see any reason to tie Pakistan's defence expenditure to that of India. India's ambitions, threat perceptions and responsibilities are way more than that of Pakistan. Pakistan government should feel free to go ahead and cut its defence expenditure to a level that Pakistan can sustain. India will sustain the current level of defence spending as long as it can afford to or needs to. Coupling of Pakistani defence expenditure to Indian expenditure is unwise and unnecessary.
It is Saudi Arabia that has opposed the IP gas pipeline more than the US. Nawaz Sharif unfortunately cannot say so.
No ditching the project now....this gas is absolutely essential.
We have to fulfill our own requirements. Whenever the US sees some development in us they threat us with sanctions. Do they even care when we have to face 10 hours of loadshedding a day ? We don't CARE about their sanctions we want the IP project to continue.
So when Iran Exports Oil and Gas to Turkey and Armenia then it is absolutely alright but when Pakistan will do it then they have a problem?. Americans must be told to end this Hypocrisy. If Turkey and Armenia can import Gas from Iran and could get an approval from America then why Pakistan is being singled out in this regard?
Correction: The cost of the pipeline is US $ 1.5 billion not 7.5.