Nato routes to be reopened on guidelines set by Parliament: Rehman Malik

Says decision on opening of Nato supply route would be endorsed by the nation.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Tuesday said that President Asif Ali Zardari has successfully and wisely highlighted Pakistan's stance in Nato's Chicago summit.     

Talking to journalists while on a visit to the National Press Club, Malik said there was an impression that President Zardari would announce opening of NATO supply route during the summit, but instead he discussed national interests, integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan and the nation’s sentiments.

"I pay tribute to President Zardari for the way he presented Pakistan’s case in the Chicago Conference," he said.

The minister said that the Parliament had given guidelines regarding the opening of NATO supply route and that a decision in that regard would be taken keeping in view national interests.

Pakistan had halted NATO supplies passing through its territory following a decision by the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) after an incursion of NATO and ISAF troops in its territory on November 26, 2011 in which 24 soldiers were killed.

Malik said talks were underway vis a vis opening of NATO supply route, however the final decision would be in line with the roadmap and guidelines given by the Parliament.

Responding to a question, he said, "Besides the US, the NATO has other members as well and we should also keep in mind that Pakistan is part of the international community, so we need to take a decision keeping our mind open and after thorough consideration."

He said a decision based on the the recommendations of the parliamentary committee would not only be long lasting but will also be endorsed by the people of Pakistan.

NAB inquiry against Sharif brothers

Talking about referring Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Public Accounts Committee for being involved in corruption, he said, "I do not have a personal grudge or enmity with anyone. I just want that the Sharif brothers should bring back plundered money to Pakistan. Whatever I am doing is according to law and as per the book."

Malik had claimed on April 28, 2012, that he had documentary evidence of corruption against the PML-N leadership and would refer them to NAB.

The federal government is the complainant in this reference, which also includes cases related to defaulting on loans worth Rs4.9 billion taken from nine different banks in the early 90s.

Electronic voters lists

When asked to comment on the preparation of electronic electoral voters lists by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), he said the concerned authority was working round the clock in collaboration with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to achieve the task at the earliest.

He said he would soon inaugurate an innovative Smart Card, to be issued by the NADRA.

Karachi violence

Talking about the situation in Karachi, he said targeted action was being taken against target killers, terrorists and extortionists, who were disrupting the peace in the commercial hub of the country. Malik said he was personally monitoring the operation.

Mr Books Store owner recovered 

Malik also mentioned about the recovery of a book store owner in Islamabad, who was kidnapped a few days ago, saying the owner of Mr Books Store had been recovered by the police. He announced commendation certificates for the police officials, who took part in the operation against the kidnappers.