Future of revised foreign policy…

Future of revised foreign policy…  

Both the PML-N and JUI-F wrangled extensively, but ultimately seconded the recommendations prepared by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) to reset Pakistan’s ties with the United States.

The revised policy, however, does not give any open account about resumption of NATO supply route.

The clause regarding Pakistan territory or its airspace not to be used for the transportation of arms and ammunition, yet, absolutely allows the restoration of non-lethal supplies to allied forces battling in  Afghanistan.

The formal signal would be given by the incumbent through an executive order in this regard.

Topmost demand among the bi-partisan party’s recommendation was an end to drone attacks. The committee also asked the US for an unconditional apology for the attack on and bringing those responsible for the Salala killings to justice.

Apart from that it also demanded assurances that acts impinging on Pakistan’s sovereignty will not recur nor will there be any overt or covert operations inside Pakistani territory. The PCNS also directed the authorities concerned to end foreign bases in Pakistan.

In return of the sacrifices rendered by the country in the war against terrorism, it asked the international community to provide greater market access to Pakistan’s exports.

America will have to yield on some of the demands to provide Pakistan some sort of save in order to encourage Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani to take any early decision on the resumption of NATO supply-route.

The US administration, though not officially, denied stopping drone-led attacks, as they consider it a vital tool to dismantle the ability of Al-Qaeda.

The US maintains that the Salala incident was the consequences of a series of mistakes and bungled communications on both forces. Therefore action against US officials remains an impossible proposition for America.

However, an official apology from the US is not a major problem. It is yet to be seen how many recommendations will be finally implemented by the US, even though PM Gilani has called the decision by the joint-sitting a milestone.

Civilians will have more powers after the recommendation of having parliamentary endorsement for military to military agreements and MoUs.

The recommendations regarding regional peace too would allow diplomacy a central role. It is likely to be considered historic if they are implemented in letter and spirit.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=18989

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Apr 14 2012. Filed under National, Opinion, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.