'Safe, foolproof and free': PMO dismisses nuclear rumours

'No compromise' on nuclear, missile programmes, Dar assures Rabbani

ISLAMABAD:

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Thursday said the country's nuclear and missile programmes were "safe in every way, completely foolproof, free of any pressure and absolutely independent" as it dismissed the "rumours" doing rounds on social media regarding the safety of Pakistan's strategic assets. 

The PMO statement stated that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) DG Rafael Mariano Grossi's visit regarding the peaceful nuclear plan is being "shown in a negative light" through "press releases, questions and different claims".

"The state of Pakistan is responsible to protect this programme in every way," read the statement and added that the programme was a "national asset" that "fulfills the purpose in every way for which it was initiated".

'No compromise' on nuclear programs

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, responding to concerns expressed previously by Senator Rabbani, said there would be "no compromise" on the country's nuclear and missile programmes.

Senator Rabbani had said that the people of Pakistan have a right to know if the country's nuclear assets are under pressure.

Response to a query raised by an honourable Senator as to the causes of delay in signing off the Staff Level Agreement with IMF during Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Senate of Pakistan👇 pic.twitter.com/BMECbZNXUs

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 16, 2023

Rabbani had urged the government to provide clarifications "if our strategic relationship with China is under threat or we are being called up to play role in the region which will facilitate the military presence of an imperialist power”.

While talking about the desperately-needed deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the senator had furthered that the parliament needs to be taken into confidence on the issue as well as the matter of reluctance of friendly countries, except China, to help Pakistan sans the global lender.

"The dragging of the feet by the IMF on signing the agreement and reluctance of friendly countries, except China, to help sans the IMF, Parliament needs to be taken into confidence."

“It appears Pakistan is being softened up to play a role which is against its national and strategic interests,” he had added.

The finance minister while speaking at the Senate Committee of the Whole on Thursday said that we are a sovereign nation and nobody in the world has the right to tell us what range of missiles we should have.

Dar provided assurances that details of the staff-level agreement with the IMF will be made public.

He said once the agreement is signed, it will be put on the website of the Finance Ministry for review by the general public and nothing will be concealed.

The finance minister added that he believes in transparency and fiscal discipline in the country.

Earlier speaking on the floor of the Senate, the PPP leader Raza Rabbani said the Parliament must exert its authority to prevent other forces from indulging in the affairs of the legislature. He said the Parliament should not bow before the dictates from any quarters.

Senate celebrates Golden Jubilee

The Upper House is celebrating its 50 years journey. Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani chaired the special commemorative session summoned to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Senate of Pakistan which was attended by current and former senators and other dignitaries.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said Parliament should become the center of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan to strengthen true democracy in the country.

EU Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka said elected bodies ensure people's power, governance and rule of law. She said democracy is the core value of the European Union. She also congratulated the Senate of Pakistan on its Golden Jubilee.

The High Commissioner of South Africa said late South African leader Nelson Mandella had decided to visit Pakistan twice and added that his country acknowledges Pakistan's contribution to the cause of peace. He called for more engagements between Pakistan and African countries. He appreciated Pakistan's "Look Africa Policy".

Former Senator Sanaullah Baloch said the implementation of the Constitution in letter and spirit is a panacea to make Pakistan a progressive country.

He said the Parliament should play its role in addressing the concerns of the smaller provinces in light of the Constitution. He said the Parliament should also think about addressing reservations of Balochistan.

Ex-Senator Zahid Khan said the country cannot move forward without establishing the supremacy of the Parliament. He urged the politicians to play their due role in this regard.

Senator Sarfaraz Bugti said the Senate should be given financial power and it must have a say over the passage of the money bill. He also urged politicians to sit at the dialogue table and agree on a minimum agenda to strengthen the Parliament.

Jordan Ambassador to Pakistan Ibrahim Yala Al Madani extended congratulations to the leadership and people of Pakistan for celebrating 50 years of the Senate of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan and Jordan enjoy brotherly relations based on a solid foundation, mutual respect and joint cooperation on political and military aspects.

Palestine Ambassador Ahmed Rabei appreciated Pakistan’s support to Palestine issues. He retained the point of view of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal regarding Palestine.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said the Senate had taken a bold stance on various foreign affairs and national issues in the past including the Iraq war, Balochistan affairs and climate matters.

He said the upper house would continue to play a significant role in protecting the interests of the country as per the aspirations of the people.

Mushahid Hussain Syed said it is the responsibility of both the government and the opposition to play their role in strengthening democracy.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri emphasized the need to revisit the current justice system and complete the prohibition of the doctrine of necessity. He demanded financial powers for the Upper House.

Ambassador of Yemen Muhammad Motahar Alashabi said Pakistan is an important country of the Islamic world and the global community.

He said both Yemen and Pakistan enjoy cordial relations and have common views on various issues. He prayed for further prosperity for the people of Pakistan.

Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen called for strengthening the Upper House to safeguard the rights of the smaller provinces. He said the objective of addressing reservations of the federating units cannot be achieved without giving more powers to the Senate.