Parliament continues debate on Pak-US ties

JUI-F says the government wants to legalise presence of Blackwater in Pakistan.


Zahid Gishkori March 27, 2012

ISLAMABAD: The joint session of the Parliament kicked off the debate on Pak-US ties, focusing on the review of Islamabad's foreign policy on Tuesday.

Lawmakers across the party line are participating in the debate.

Leader of the opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan criticised the government on preparing recommendations which promoted a former military ruler's policies. "These recommendations are the legacy of General Musharraf", he observed.

JUI-F leader Fazlur Rehman said that the deal between Pakistan and US has been finalised on the issue of Nato supplies.

"We will not stamp on this report,” he said, adding that "the government through such recommendations wants to legalise the presence of Blackwater in Pakistan".

“JUI-Fazl will not let Nato tankers into Afghanistan despite the government's permission... By God... we will resist and our followers will create hurdles for Nato/Isaf tankers by blocking them," he added.

“Gone are the days when our foreign policy was being framed behind the scene,” said Senator Farhatullah Babar. “These recommendations should not be kept secret,” he said.

He said that it was how members of the committee said they were not aboard while preparing these recommendations. “Foreign Ministry's input is necessary as well”, he added.

COMMENTS (3)

Mujtaba | 11 years ago | Reply

“Syed Munawar Hasan, who is a leading light of the rejectionist alliance of religious parties and organisations included in Defence of Pakistan Council, says he will not hesitate to spill blood if the route is reopened.” The sense ends there. There’s absolutely no point in your elections or system if people like that are embraced in the decision. The reason people are voted in are that people want them to make the decision, not the ones who aren’t. It also makes the government look about as weak as it gets. You don’t have nice chats with people who say that. You tell them to knock it off or they will be the ones to receive retribution. Not the other way around. Also, the world will only wait for a limited time for people trying to throw a wrench in the gears of something that effects their own people. If it was a debate that effected Pakistan only, it can be as slow as it wants. With people dying, an unsaid time limit is in place. It will come from a measure of Pakistan’s worth in relations. You’re still housing militants while this chat happens. They will eventually be dealt with. It’s just a matter of who does it and most would rather it be Pakistan itself. But, if that option isn’t there, it doesn’t mean nothing will happen.

fahim | 12 years ago | Reply

what a joke.. the real deal is signed by establishment and not these politicians. Real negotiations have already taken place, in exchange of money weapons and money for the establishment. This is just time pass.

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