Salala incursion: DCC united against NATO’s version of attacks
The committee has finalised proposals on US relations.
ISLAMABAD:
Despite a frosty atmosphere, the government and military officials were unquestionably united in one respect on Saturday evening: their response to the Nato border attacks which killed 24 Pakistanis.
At a meeting called and chaired by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, the defence committee of the cabinet (DCC) decided to continue blocking Nato supplies through Pakistan. The committee also strongly refuted the US and Nato’s official version of the November 26 attacks, according to credible sources.
The DCC met to discuss post-Mohmand attack scenarios and the Pak-US relationship in detail. According to sources, the US will be asked to pay compensation to the families of the Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives in the cross-border air strikes.
The DCC rejected the report compiled by US and Nato officials, terming the findings unjustifiable and looking into ways to present their side of the story. “Members of the committee suggested that the report finalised by Pakistani military officials will be shared with the US and made public,” a source said.
According to some of those present, a tense atmosphere prevailed and no pleasantries were exchanged beyond discussing the topics on the agenda.
“The military side mostly remained tight-lipped and gave very little input during the meeting. An otherwise quiet army chief was even quieter today,” a source told The Express Tribune.
PM Gilani, in his opening statement, said that Pakistan’s honour, integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable. He added that there is complete harmony on all issues of national interest and that the government would continue to work to strengthen all institutions.
The DCC has also, according to the PM, finalised its proposals following the Nato airstrikes. He said that ties with Isaf and the US are being reviewed in line with these recommendations, adding that the national security committee will also present its conclusions and its recommendations will be considered by parliament.
The PM spoke of unity – but also reiterated the need to stay with one’s remit. He said that each organ and state institution has to play its due role, within its respective domain.
To dispel the impression of a rift with the army, the PM somewhat glorified the armed forces, describing them as the “pillar of the nation’s resilience and strength”, according to sources. On the other hand, he said that civil institutions have their due role to play in socio-economic development.
Above all, the ‘common good’ of Pakistanis was the focus of Gilani’s comments.
The meeting was attended by senior members of the cabinet along with Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other top military brass.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2012.
Despite a frosty atmosphere, the government and military officials were unquestionably united in one respect on Saturday evening: their response to the Nato border attacks which killed 24 Pakistanis.
At a meeting called and chaired by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, the defence committee of the cabinet (DCC) decided to continue blocking Nato supplies through Pakistan. The committee also strongly refuted the US and Nato’s official version of the November 26 attacks, according to credible sources.
The DCC met to discuss post-Mohmand attack scenarios and the Pak-US relationship in detail. According to sources, the US will be asked to pay compensation to the families of the Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives in the cross-border air strikes.
The DCC rejected the report compiled by US and Nato officials, terming the findings unjustifiable and looking into ways to present their side of the story. “Members of the committee suggested that the report finalised by Pakistani military officials will be shared with the US and made public,” a source said.
According to some of those present, a tense atmosphere prevailed and no pleasantries were exchanged beyond discussing the topics on the agenda.
“The military side mostly remained tight-lipped and gave very little input during the meeting. An otherwise quiet army chief was even quieter today,” a source told The Express Tribune.
PM Gilani, in his opening statement, said that Pakistan’s honour, integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable. He added that there is complete harmony on all issues of national interest and that the government would continue to work to strengthen all institutions.
The DCC has also, according to the PM, finalised its proposals following the Nato airstrikes. He said that ties with Isaf and the US are being reviewed in line with these recommendations, adding that the national security committee will also present its conclusions and its recommendations will be considered by parliament.
The PM spoke of unity – but also reiterated the need to stay with one’s remit. He said that each organ and state institution has to play its due role, within its respective domain.
To dispel the impression of a rift with the army, the PM somewhat glorified the armed forces, describing them as the “pillar of the nation’s resilience and strength”, according to sources. On the other hand, he said that civil institutions have their due role to play in socio-economic development.
Above all, the ‘common good’ of Pakistanis was the focus of Gilani’s comments.
The meeting was attended by senior members of the cabinet along with Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other top military brass.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2012.