Kasuri addresses Youth Parliament
Kasuri began his talk by offering heartfelt condolences on the demise of six of Pakistan’s future leaders.
ISLAMABAD:
Realism and idealism are both important in the formulation of foreign policy. The strength and weakness of a foreign policy are directly linked with the country’s governance, economic and domestic situation.
This was stated by Khurshid Kasuri, former foreign minister, while addressing the Youth Parliament Pakistan on an Overview of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.
Kasuri began his talk by offering heartfelt condolences on the demise of six of Pakistan’s future leaders.
He commended the Youth Parliament for displaying maturity in continuing with the session despite the huge loss.
He said the foreign policy of a country cannot be partisan and has to be a multi-partisan policy that reflects the consensus of the society.
Referring to Pakistan’s policy on Afghanistan, Kasuri said: “We can change everything but not our neighbour.”
“It is unfortunate that the West, including British Prime Minister Cameron’s recent statement, blame us for running with hares and hunting with the hounds, but they misunderstand Pakistan’s intent.”
Kasuri said Pakistan’s relations with Israel were 50-year-old and both countries knew exactly where the other stood.
“We are in contact with Israel regarding the proposition of Land for Peace presented by King Abdullah in a resolution passed by the Arab League.
Since Israel wanted to develop relations, it was prudent to send a signal from our side,” he said.
Earlier, the session began with the swearing-in of the newly-inducted Deputy Speaker, Ayesha Bilal Bhatti. The house invited the attention of the honourable speaker towards the damage caused by the heavy rainfall and demanded immediate measures to restore normalcy from the government.
“Modes of preservation of rain water must be adopted by building huge reservoirs that can be used for other purposes as well,” said the Leader of Opposition Lehrasip Hayat.
Another calling attention notice was presented on the issue of violence against women and strict action demanded against the perpetrators.
The recent issue of violence on a nurse of Jinnah Hospital, Karachi, was also discussed and an explanation demanded.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2010.
Realism and idealism are both important in the formulation of foreign policy. The strength and weakness of a foreign policy are directly linked with the country’s governance, economic and domestic situation.
This was stated by Khurshid Kasuri, former foreign minister, while addressing the Youth Parliament Pakistan on an Overview of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.
Kasuri began his talk by offering heartfelt condolences on the demise of six of Pakistan’s future leaders.
He commended the Youth Parliament for displaying maturity in continuing with the session despite the huge loss.
He said the foreign policy of a country cannot be partisan and has to be a multi-partisan policy that reflects the consensus of the society.
Referring to Pakistan’s policy on Afghanistan, Kasuri said: “We can change everything but not our neighbour.”
“It is unfortunate that the West, including British Prime Minister Cameron’s recent statement, blame us for running with hares and hunting with the hounds, but they misunderstand Pakistan’s intent.”
Kasuri said Pakistan’s relations with Israel were 50-year-old and both countries knew exactly where the other stood.
“We are in contact with Israel regarding the proposition of Land for Peace presented by King Abdullah in a resolution passed by the Arab League.
Since Israel wanted to develop relations, it was prudent to send a signal from our side,” he said.
Earlier, the session began with the swearing-in of the newly-inducted Deputy Speaker, Ayesha Bilal Bhatti. The house invited the attention of the honourable speaker towards the damage caused by the heavy rainfall and demanded immediate measures to restore normalcy from the government.
“Modes of preservation of rain water must be adopted by building huge reservoirs that can be used for other purposes as well,” said the Leader of Opposition Lehrasip Hayat.
Another calling attention notice was presented on the issue of violence against women and strict action demanded against the perpetrators.
The recent issue of violence on a nurse of Jinnah Hospital, Karachi, was also discussed and an explanation demanded.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2010.