Chairman Senate calls for in-camera session to debate NAP, foreign policy

Raza Rabbani's remarks come a day after COAS asked government to match army's efforts in fight against terror

ISLAMABAD: As the lawmakers put their weight behind the government in the backdrop of army chief’s remarks relating to greater civilian cooperation in fight against terrorism, chairman Senate has called for holding an in-camera session of Parliament to debate foreign policy and the ongoing National Action Plan (NAP).

"If that is not possible, government should hold a special session of the Upper House behind closed doors," Raza Rabbani said during a debate on the subject on Thursday.

Army chief General Raheel Sharif called on Tuesday for “governance initiatives” to complement the success of security forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism and extremism.



Commenting on the ISPR statement, chairman Senate said institutions should work within their limits and adhere to the rules of business.

During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Aitzaz Ahsan said, “we will be standing with you [government].”



Pakistan People’s Party senator Farhatullah Babar suggested the military leadership should have had conveyed their concerns to the prime minister in a private meeting.

“Perhaps the ISPR [statement] was a wake up call asking the government to do its job," added Senator Mohsin Leghari.