Other opposition MPs advise govt to avoid confrontation with US. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Opposition lawmakers have said that the government should shoot down remotely piloted aircraft if the United States continues to violate Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Dr Shireen Mazari of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said that “the government, as a last resort, should target drones — as we’re capable of [shooting down these pilotless aircraft].”
“It’s a defining movement for the government to convey a louder message to the United States that drones are counterproductive and not acceptable to us,” she added.
Jamat-e-Islami MNA Tariqullah endorsed Dr Mazari’s views. “We should shoot down drones. We’re capable of doing this,” he said, recalling that a top military official once said that the military has the capability to shoot down drones, if the government orders so.
However, lawmakers from all political parties advised the government to avoid confrontation with the US and pursue the proposed peace plan with the Taliban.
Pakistan Protection Ordinance
The Pakistan Protection Ordinance could not be tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday and is now likely to be tabled on Thursday. Under the ordinance, law-enforcers will be able to enter and search any premises without warrants and the detained suspects will not be entitled to bail.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2013.
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