War on terror: Sharif wants agreement with US made public
“I think the time has come to tell the nation the terms on which we engaged with the US in the war on terror,” Sharif told media on Friday.
He addressed the media a day after a marathon conference of top political and military leaders, convened by the Prime Minister, to build consensus in the aftermath of allegations by American security officials against Pakistan’s premier spy agency.
“It would not help us in the long run if we move ahead with that much secrecy … it will hurt the nation and the national interest,” the twice-former premier said while briefing the media about the points he raised at the All Parties Conference (APC).
Baloch leaders left out
Nawaz also called for extending peace overtures to Balochistan.
Several key leaders from the province were either not invited to Thursday’s APC or opted not to attend it because of their scepticism about the government’s intentions.
He praised Prime Minister Gilani for holding the conference at such a critical juncture but said it would have been better had all the Baloch nationalists also been invited.
Avoiding drones
Like the resolution passed at Thursday’s APC, Sharif deflected a question on drone strikes.
Earlier, he was highly critical of country’s defence authorities for their inaction when American commandos killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in a unilateral raid.
He said his party was against any direct military action by Americans inside Pakistan.
The PML-N chief also proposed to devise long-term national agenda, with the consensus of all political parties and other stakeholders. No political party can steer the nation out of the crises it faces, single-handedly, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2011.
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@Dan
You are epeating Imran Khan's statement that PML-N has played as friendly opposition. I would like to disagree. In many cases they made the PPP change their decisions due to the opposition they put up. This is what the task of the opposition is. IT is not to push for mid-term elections withut giving adequate chance to perform. Exmples where PPP decisions were reversed due to opposition pressure: 1) PPP did not want to re-install the CJ. The opposition made them do so. 2) The PPP wanted to continue to the NRO immuinity. The opposition made it clear that they would not vote for that. 3) PPP wanted to o install RGST. The opposition prevented that from happening 4) PPP wanted to sweep the May 2 incidence under the carpet. The opposition ensured that there is a propoer empowered commission to address the issue.
I personally actually support PPP on decision 3 because I think that the contry needs to increase its tax to GDP ratio. Still, the point is that the Pakistan people were against tis decision and opposition ensured that a decision consistentw with people's wishes was taken.
He also has tried to support the government in areas where it was appropriate: 1) Civilian supremacy over army 2) Moving towards peace wit India so that some defence expenditure can be diverted towards building social infrastructure e.g.h health, education. 3) The National Finance COmmission where PML ruled Punjab gave up some money so that Balochistan could have a larger share which was fairer.
This is exactly how an opposition is supposed to function. Not oppose for opposition sake. I am an Dindian who currently lives in US and having seen democracy in both places, I would simply like to share what I have observed.
Dan you make a lot of sense but if mian sahib is now saying the right thing, lets give the devil his due.
Musharaf's statement commented by 87 while Sharif's only 14 viewers (time in Pakistan now: 3pm 1st Oct). Isn't it thoughtful for Sharifs who are waiting for their turn without even playing mandated role as an opposition party??? They argu that Zardari's govt was elected by people and therefore people are responsible for all their misdoings, but not realize for a single moment that they are also elected by the people for the opposition and should fullfil their duties as a functional opposition party for stability of democracy in the country.
Let's hope for the best. Army has a process to groom and develop leadership. Political parties and their leadership is learning from their mistakes after so many martial laws. But let them learn and be more professional and seasoned. It will not happen overnight but that's the only hope for the nation.
To question the people who caused this entire situation at the first place is quite patriotic and I wish other political parties and political leadership must grill the responsible in the military and control their leashes. Pakistan is the only country out of a whole lot where military go un-accountable for all the curses we have and whole burden is put on the (incompetent) political leadership. Bravo Mian Sahib and hope some others will also have courage to come up without any fear of the wrongful might.
As if he does not know the terms of engagement.
Nice political move.
He puts PPP in defense, and will organize rallies and protests against PPP in the name anti-US Waziristan campaign. Imran khan and all the religious nut political parties will join in the chorus, and Nawaz Sharif emerges as the leader who can stand up to the US unlike Zardari.
Revealing the terms of engagement is appropriate -- but he should also ask the govt to explain why the govt has ceded control over large sections of the country to the Taliban and whether it's reasonable to ignore the actions of the Taliban when they use Pakistan as a haven to attack neighbors and allies.
@Diggvijay Singh I agree with you....In addition, India and all other neighboring countries shall respect the sacrifices Pakistan has made in terms of loss of its 40000 valuable lives. Otherwise the fire of terrorism would have approached to the doorsteps of these countries.
@Diggvijay Singh:
Good one, we need to stand together to face the worst and good...
@Diggvijay Singh: You forgot the winky-smiley at the end of your post.
All peace-loving people of the world, especially from India, Iran, China and Afghanistan, should stand beside Pakistan and lend their collective weight in ensuring Pakistan's sovereignty. As good neighbors, it is our moral imperative. We need to express our gratitude for the immense sacrifices Pakistan has made to foster peace and harmony and defeat the dark forces of terrorism in whole of South Asia.
All the recent APCs were called for by the civilians at the behest of Establishment and the Establishment got its views endorsed. There ends the matter. Nothing moved beyond that. Why?
Bravo mian sahib, you are right. We support you.