Opposition asks govt to discuss foreign policy issues in NA

FM Qureshi says government ready to discuss any issues brought up

ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday stated that the lower house, in addition to economy, should be discussing foreign policy.

Referring to the issue of Palestine and the 'deal of the century' and the on-going Kashmir issue, Shehbaz stated the House should hold talks "for at least three days".

"There is talk of awarding permanent membership to India in the United Nations. We have to consider everything," he added, saying the attention of Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi should be diverted towards these issues.

"They [government] can convene an in-camera session over this matter, we have no objections," he added.

'Pakistan for peaceful relations with all neighbours'

The speaker of the house stated discussion can be convened on any issue, including economy, foreign policy, water and agriculture, with the government and opposition consulting to decide on the topic.

Replying to Shehbaz, FM Qureshi stated the government is ready to discuss any issues brought up.

"The government is ready to present its policy statement in the parliament but the opposition should be willing to listen. Economy was being discussed for the past two weeks, which is unprecedented," the FM stated.

A leader of a political party after the approval of the budget stated that they "are prepared to discuss other issues but abuses should not be hurled and meaningful discussion should be held".