I believe that the following conditions must be included in these recommendations.
LAHORE: The Pakistan parliament is currently reviewing the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security regarding our relations with the US. I believe that the following conditions must be included in these recommendations.
Firstly, it must be made clear that drone attacks infringe upon our sovereignty and are counterproductive because of the high collateral damage they cause. However, if these are considered important by both Pakistan and the US, then they should be carried out by the Pakistan Army and not the US.
Secondly, the charges for providing a route for Nato supplies should be properly assessed, which should include the cost of building and upgrading of roads that are used to transport these supplies. In addition, the cost of the environmental damage caused by the transporting of supplies, as well as the cost incurred in movement of huge numbers of vehicles should also be included while assessing the charges.
Thirdly, we should demand the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui on compassionate grounds. The fact that Raymond Davis was released by Pakistan despite his killing two Pakistanis must be taken into account here.
Fourthly, we should demand a civil-nuclear technology pact from the US. If it cannot provide us with that, then it must not cause hindrances in our endeavour to obtain gas from Iran.
Fared Zuberi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2012.
