Pakistan

Chairman Senate calls for in-camera session to debate NAP, foreign policy

Raza Rabbani's remarks come a day after COAS asked government to match army's efforts in fight against terror

Qamar Zaman November 12, 2015

A file photo of Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: As the lawmakers put their weight behind the government in the backdrop of army chief’s remarks relating to greater civilian cooperation in fight against terrorism, chairman Senate has called for holding an in-camera session of Parliament to debate foreign policy and the ongoing National Action Plan (NAP).

"If that is not possible, government should hold a special session of the Upper House behind closed doors," Raza Rabbani said during a debate on the subject on Thursday.

Army chief General Raheel Sharif called on Tuesday for “governance initiatives” to complement the success of security forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism and extremism.

Defending performance: Government says it is accountable to the people

Commenting on the ISPR statement, chairman Senate said institutions should work within their limits and adhere to the rules of business.

During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Aitzaz Ahsan said, “we will be standing with you [government].”

Govt needs to match army’s efforts in ongoing fight against terror: COAS

Pakistan People’s Party senator Farhatullah Babar suggested the military leadership should have had conveyed their concerns to the prime minister in a private meeting.

“Perhaps the ISPR [statement] was a wake up call asking the government to do its job," added Senator Mohsin Leghari.

COMMENTS (4)

Rex Minor | 8 years ago | Reply Notwithstanding his past experience with the military brass, it is time that he disciplies his new appointee emphasising the role of a parliamentary.army in a democracy. The military courts trials of civilian citizens was a cardinal mistake and must immediately be suspended. Equaly the resettlement of IDP's must be udertaken by the Provincial Chief Ministers using army bods where necessary. Rex Minor

zain | 8 years ago | Reply Senate chairman,, raza rabbani tattoo of zardari,,,, he want to protect his father,, zardari,, he know superme court,, judges,, NAB,, govt,, no one can took action against billions dollars carouption of zardari,,, only army can took strong actions against zardari,,, nation standing with pak army not with tattoo of zardari,, raza rabbani,,, in Pakistan democracy means ""platform for carouption ""

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