After more than three weeks of behind-the-scenes efforts, a Pakistani parliamentary session Thursday finally succeeded in approving the recommendations of PCNS on new guidelines for ties with US
After more than three weeks of behind-the-scenes efforts, a Pakistani parliamentary session Thursday finally succeeded in approving the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) on new guidelines for bilateral ties with the US.
The revised recommendations of PCNS presented during the session laid emphasis on respect for the country's national sovereignty, stating that sovereignty of Pakistan shall not be compromised and relationship with the US should be based on mutual respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each other,” Pakistan Tribune reported Friday.
The 14-point recommendations suggested that the US footprint in Pakistan must be reviewed. This would mean an immediate cessation of drone attacks inside the country, cessation of infiltration into Pakistani territory on any pretext, including hot pursuit. It was also stressed that Pakistani territory and its airspace shall not be used for transportation of arms and ammunition to the NATO forces in Afghanistan. The lack of explicit recommendations on NATO supplies is believed to have been on the pressure of opposition parties.
According to Pakistan Tribune, the recommendations also say that Pakistan's nuclear program and assets, and their safety and security cannot be compromised. It was noted that the US-India civil nuclear agreement has significantly altered strategic balance in the region; therefore Pakistan should seek from the US and others a similar deal.
US Apology
While condemning the unprovoked NATO attack on Salala border posts on November 26 last year as a breach of international law and a blatant violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the joint session said Pakistan should seek an unconditional apology from the US over the incident. At least 24 soldiers had been killed in the attack. The Ministry of Defense and the Pakistan Air Force were asked to formulate new flying rules for areas contiguous to the border.
Pakistan National Security
The joint sitting said that no verbal agreement regarding national security shall be entered into by the government, its ministries, divisions, departments, attached departments, autonomous bodies or other organizations with any foreign government or authority, and all such agreements or understandings shall cease to have effect forthwith. All future agreements regarding national security will require approval of PCNS and cabinet.
The session resolved that no private security contractors and/or intelligence operatives shall be allowed in Pakistan, and the country's territory will not be provided for the establishment of any foreign base.
Pakistani Parliament also stressed that the international community should recognize Pakistan's colossal human and economic losses and continued suffering due to the war on terror, and demanded greater market access for Pakistan's exports to the US, NATO countries and global markets.
The attending parliamentarians stressed that the country's foreign policy must continue to focus on creating a peaceful environment in the region in pursuance of the goals of economic development and social progress. It was emphasized that the dialogue process with India should be continued in a purposeful and result-oriented manner on the basis of mutual respect and interest, and efforts should be made for the solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions.
The joint session called for developing close cooperative relations with the country's neighbors and enhancing special relationship with the Muslim world. It also highlighted the need to deepen the strategic partnership with China in all its dimensions, and also sought strengthening of ties with Russia. The amended recommendations also called for actively pursuing the gas pipeline project with Iran.
