File photo of Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan's Minister for Foreign Affairs speaking on stage at the Council for Foreign Relations in New York, January 16, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Tuesday rubbished allegations emanating from the opposition over the government’s ‘inadequate’ response to skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC), which had resulted in the killings of three Pakistani soldiers.
“We take pride in the fact that a democratic Pakistan has shown commitment of not escalating the tension,” Khar said in response to Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s criticism.
Khar briefed the house about the series of incidents that began on January 6, when two Pakistani soldiers were wounded by Indian forces some 400-500 metres inside their territory.
“We used the existing mechanism of communication between the DG Military Operations and pointed out to India their provocative behavior,” said Khar, adding that the government also demanded a UN probe into the incident to show Pakistan’s commitment to normalise relations.
The foreign minister said Pakistan’s foreign policy was not dictated by reacting to somebody else’s irresponsible behavior.
“If offering to resolve all the issues through dialogue is equal to sleeping of the government … then yes we were sleeping,” she said, adding that Pakistan had made a mark in the world by showing commitment to the peace process and resolution of issues through dialogue instead of escalation and war mongering.
Referring to a shift in the military’s doctrine, Khar said, “We are very much aware of the challenges emanating from eastern borders but must not be delusional about the challenges within Pakistan.”
Earlier, Nisar had censured the government for not handing the ceasefire violations with respect and honour.
“The government is in deep slumber and subservient to several external powers,” said Nisar.
Talking about the creation of new provinces in Punjab, Nisar censured Punjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood for issuing political statements over the issue during a public rally.
“Governors are supposed to be apolitical and have no right to take parliamentary powers in their hands,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was the only sincere party when it came to the new provinces issue.
Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira responded to Nisar’s criticism, saying “the governor Punjab had not sinned by making a statement on the creation of new provinces.”
The 49th session of the lower house is likely to be the incumbent government’s last, according to many members from the government and opposition alike.
Walkout
Meanwhile, JUI-F’s Maulana Attaur Rehman criticised the government for imposing governor’s rule in Balochistan.
“If you think [governor’s rule] was the solution to the problems, then it should be imposed in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.”
Later on, Rehman staged a walkout to protest against governor’s rule in Balochistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2013.
COMMENTS (12)
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@Tony Singh: I am surprised that why your claims are only based on hypothesis and supposed false,fabricated and embellished facts instead of realities and truths.Methinks you do so intentionally and deliberately to divert the whole world's attentions from the ground realities,facts and truths and camouflage the realities and truths from the world as well...
Most people in Pakistan, I assume, want fine, warming speeches and overtures to be backed up by some action. Now that the tension has escalated and is likely to lead to tit for tat drama, cool heads must prevail and problems have to be confronted within Pakistan's borders.
It would not be wise to invite the arab dignitaries by issueing them with hunting permits to 'make merry while the nation burns' by the FO itself and to treat the nation as a private estate. The fundings from the countires where the dignitaries hail from is said to be fueling the inter communial violence and destabalising Pakistan. It is an open secret.
Furthermore, Tourism and Wildlife Society of India has sought the intervention of the Union of externaql affairs Ministry to put pressure on Pakistan to ban the hunting of the migratory hubara bustards which has drastically reduced India's share of its annual winter migrants and severely affected the eco system in the region (Times of India, Jaipur. In other words, they are fuming, rightly so. The birds are rare and listed and Pakistan is seen to be breaking the law). This state of affairs is unacceptable.
Able foreign minister presented a true picture of the situation before the house of representatives. option,to prob this sensitive matter about the violation on LoC by any party suggested by the United Nation must be acceptable .
Allegations.levelled against Pakistan by Indian high upsare baseless Pakistan never been adopted such efforts which under mine peace process already under for years.
Pakistan have desire to see delightful bilateral relations with neighboring India . We should tention level to down exploring the ways supoort peace process, and by consensus to end the violation along the line of contro(LoC) According to the Pakistan's stance as its foreign minister said that we have exposed our sincerity in regard to the peace process to stabblising the relation with Indian
Well "Rana" I appreciate your views But things can even better when the side brings the culprits to justice when strong proofs are provided against them by the victim side. This helps in deepening trust. I mean no hidden abuse.
Hina Rabbani Khar's response is not enough.This meekish statement does not effect India. General Kayani should take care of military response to these gross violatin s and killing of solriers. Since their P.M anf F.M.have issued strong statements , and threateed Pakistan.
WE can not just try to diffusethe tense situation in this manner. India need a stronger dose of offensive response.
Sincerely Javaid Bashir .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
@Clear Black Bag: Sure and India should reciprocate in kind. No trade with Pakistan till it hands back Kashmir teritory which it annexed by force and handed a part of it to China.
It’s impossible for both sides to eliminate violations & rifts at border and loc completely, when thousands of troops stay eyeball to eyeball all the times! If Indian are serious in bilateral relation, rules and limits could be worked out and a permanent watchdog comprises of defense personals, judges, parliamentarians and senior media personal of both sides should be framed to look after such violations/incidents independently. If any side found guilty a certain amount of damages would to be paid by the responsible side, this may help progressing towards better relations. Otherwise habitual hatred would remain prevailed.
PPP's government should never declare India the Most Favorite Nation unless LoC's and Kashmir issues are resolved as soon as possible on top priority basis.....
Where is the PM ??? or the President ??? Arnt they suppose to make a statement over this issue , WE have heard alot from the Indian FM , PM and for the matter from the Indian Army Cheif as well !! But sadly , nothing from the Pakistani side. A wake up call is needed in the Presidency on this issue as well. Elections can only be held in a stable PAKISTAN, so protect it with honour !!!
Govt should have appointed more strict stance over Indian violations of the LoC.