Talking points: Ex-PM decries failure of Pakistan’s foreign policy

Says US-India nuclear deal will affect ongoing fight against militancy

PESHAWAR: Senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former premier Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday termed the US-India nuclear deal detrimental for peace efforts in South Asia.

Speaking to journalists at the residence of party’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa secretary general Humayun Khan, Gilani clarified the country does not object to this deal but only wants to be treated equally.



According to the former prime minister, US president Barack Obama’s visit to India has raised a series of doubts about Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against militancy. Moreover, the visit has also put the spotlight on the loopholes in Pakistan’s foreign policy.

“Pakistan does not have a foreign minister at this stage,” he said. “Unilateral deals between the US and India could impact the ongoing fight against terrorism.”

Gilani said his government had asked the US to vacate Shamsi airbase after the attack on Salala check post. “However, the current government has failed to adopt a clear stance to preserve national interest and security,” he said. “Those who criticised the PPP for fighting on the behest of the US are now following our policies.”

Gilani said the Army Public School attack was the darkest chapter in Pakistan’s history but managed to unite the political forces. “Now all major parties are on the same page about fighting militancy,” he said.

Active opposition

The former premier dispelled the impression that PPP was playing a friendly opposition to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N).

“PML-N was dubbed as friendly opposition when the PPP was in power,” he said. “However, this wasn’t entirely true.”

Gilani insisted parliamentarians should play the role of an active opposition. “The PPP is in favour of a strong parliament,” he said. “The government should also announce its policies at the National Assembly.”

Voice of dissent?

Speaking about reported differences within the PPP’s ranks, Gilani said they were based on minor issues which should not be blown out of proportion. However, he firmly denied reports about any differences between PPP co-chairmen Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2015.