Looking forward: Pakistan’s foreign policy rapidly evolving: Leghari
Leghari says the attack in Peshawar has changed the mood in the country.
DERA GHAZI KHAN:
Sardar Owais Ahmed Leghari, chairman of National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Saturday Pakistan wanted good relations with all its neighbours.
He said the show of solidarity by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the massacre in Peshawar on December 16 bode well for Indo-Pakistan relations.
Leghari was talking to newsmen at the Dera Ghazi Khan DCO’s office.
He said Army Chief General Raheel Sharif’s visit to Kabul had been fruitful. “Both countries have realised that they need to fight terrorism together,” he said. He said the visit would have a positive impact on the war against terrorism.
Leghari said the country was traumatised after the massacre of school children in Peshawar. “The barbaric attack has changed the mood in the country. Schools have been shut, examinations have been cancelled and children are caught between defiance and fear.”
He said many people in the country had believed that Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan was fighting for Islam. “Now they have realised that this cannot have been for any religion.”
He said the government was taking steps to restore law and order in the country. He said ensuring internal security was a top priority of the government.
Responding to a question, Leghari said Pakistan and Iran’s relations had been affected by the US-Iran relations.
“Pakistan’s relations with Iran have been affected by global politics. Pakistan is bound by international laws to limit trade with Iran,” he said.
He said gas imports from Iran, Qatar and Central Asian states could not be blocked for long.
He said SAARC member states should cooperate in energy sector.
“Once Pakistan starts energy trade with India, it is inevitable that Iran will also feature in the equation,” he added.
He said Pakistan had had excellent relations with all governments in China.
“It should be remembered that besides Pakistan, China has good relations with the United States, Australia, India and African countries.”
He said Pakistan must not isolate in from the region. He said Pakistan could also not afford to destabilise neighbouring countries through proxy wars.
“For this reason, it is imperative that the Pakistani and the Afghan government work closely over the years for a peaceful, stable region,” he added.
Responding to another question, Leghari said it was unwise to investment in only one sector.
“Development must be holistic,” he said.
He said the energy shortfall in the country was decreasing and it would not be long before the load shedding ended.
He said Dera Ghazi Khan was an important city and steps were being taken to include it in the trade route.
He said the Border Military Force had weakened over years of being ignored.
“The BMF needs to be restructured,” he said. “Lack of regular promotions has dampened morale of the force.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2014.
Sardar Owais Ahmed Leghari, chairman of National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Saturday Pakistan wanted good relations with all its neighbours.
He said the show of solidarity by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the massacre in Peshawar on December 16 bode well for Indo-Pakistan relations.
Leghari was talking to newsmen at the Dera Ghazi Khan DCO’s office.
He said Army Chief General Raheel Sharif’s visit to Kabul had been fruitful. “Both countries have realised that they need to fight terrorism together,” he said. He said the visit would have a positive impact on the war against terrorism.
Leghari said the country was traumatised after the massacre of school children in Peshawar. “The barbaric attack has changed the mood in the country. Schools have been shut, examinations have been cancelled and children are caught between defiance and fear.”
He said many people in the country had believed that Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan was fighting for Islam. “Now they have realised that this cannot have been for any religion.”
He said the government was taking steps to restore law and order in the country. He said ensuring internal security was a top priority of the government.
Responding to a question, Leghari said Pakistan and Iran’s relations had been affected by the US-Iran relations.
“Pakistan’s relations with Iran have been affected by global politics. Pakistan is bound by international laws to limit trade with Iran,” he said.
He said gas imports from Iran, Qatar and Central Asian states could not be blocked for long.
He said SAARC member states should cooperate in energy sector.
“Once Pakistan starts energy trade with India, it is inevitable that Iran will also feature in the equation,” he added.
He said Pakistan had had excellent relations with all governments in China.
“It should be remembered that besides Pakistan, China has good relations with the United States, Australia, India and African countries.”
He said Pakistan must not isolate in from the region. He said Pakistan could also not afford to destabilise neighbouring countries through proxy wars.
“For this reason, it is imperative that the Pakistani and the Afghan government work closely over the years for a peaceful, stable region,” he added.
Responding to another question, Leghari said it was unwise to investment in only one sector.
“Development must be holistic,” he said.
He said the energy shortfall in the country was decreasing and it would not be long before the load shedding ended.
He said Dera Ghazi Khan was an important city and steps were being taken to include it in the trade route.
He said the Border Military Force had weakened over years of being ignored.
“The BMF needs to be restructured,” he said. “Lack of regular promotions has dampened morale of the force.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2014.