Summary Most MNAs oppose suspension of NATO’s supplies saying its pros and cons must be kept in mind.
ISLAMABAD (Online) - Lawmakers Wednesday calling for dialogue with US for halt of drone attacks said such attacks are totally unacceptable as they amount to disregard of our dignity & sovereignty.
The National Assembly resumed its session in here with Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the chair.
They also pointed out that several world organizations including Amnesty International have condemned the US drone attacks and government should raise this issue with the US leadership to get the attacks halted.
Initiating the debate‚ Qaisar Ahmad Shaikh said there is complete consensus among all the political parties that the drone attacks are proving counterproductive in the war against terrorism and the dialogue is the only way forward to deal with this issue.
He said the government should hold dialogue with the American leadership and convince them that the drone attacks are not serving the purpose rather fuelling the terrorism. He said the timing of the recent drone attack was not right at we were poised to begin negotiations with the Taliban.
He said our government has fully registered protest with the US on the drone attack but said that we are not in a position to confront the US keeping in view our economic and internal situation.
He also opposed the suspension of NATO’s supplies saying the decision in this regard should be taken keeping in view its pros and cons.
Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan said the government should hold dialogue with the US to get drone attacks halted. He said peace should remain our priority and the government should continue efforts to start negotiations with the Taliban.
Shahida Rehmani maintained that drone attacks are in violation of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. She said the government should give an in-camera briefing to parliamentarians about the outcome of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with the US leadership.
She said the government should not hold dialogue with those elements who do not accept our constitution and law.
Maulana Muhammad Gohar Shah said the government and the Taliban should take confidence building measures for start of negotiations. He said Pakistan today is facing lawlessness and instability due to the US war against terrorism.
Makhdoom Javed Hashmi said the war on terrorism was imposed on Pakistan whose adverse effects are being witnessed in Karachi‚ Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa.
He said it is the responsibility of the government to protect the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan.
He pointed out that Pakistan is an important regional player and the Afghan issue cannot be sorted out without its cooperation.
Iftikhar-ur-Din said the drone attacks are continuing for the last ten to twelve years and we do not see their end in the near future. He said Pakistan is an independent country and United States should respect its sovereignty.
Sahibzada Tariqullah said the 9th September All Parties Conference had mandated to the government to hold talks with the Taliban but regretfully the recent drone attack spoiled this process.
He said Pakistan should evolve an independent foreign policy keeping in view its own interests. He said there is a need to address root causes of extremism and militancy.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai said peace process should be followed for bringing peace and stability in the country.
He said he is ready to go to FATA along with a group of political leaders and journalists to start efforts for revival of peace in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Responding to a point of order raised by Leader of the Opposition‚ Syed Khursheed Shah about the boycott of proceedings of Senate by the opposition‚ Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said he has rechecked the figures regarding casualties in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa due to acts of terrorism‚ with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government‚ which has maintained that the figures are correct.
He said a committee should be constituted to check the conduct of the opposition members in the House on the day he gave these figures.
The Interior Minister said that his conduct in the House has been according to the norms of Parliament and he has never uttered any un-parliamentary word or ridiculed anybody in the Upper House. He said he is fully accountable and answerable to the elected House.
Responding to the point of order of MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar‚ Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the government is closely watching and monitoring the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi.
He said the recent incidents ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram were a conspiracy but we are determined to control the situation.
We are fully aware of those behind these incidents which are not related to Shia-Sunni differences.
He said the Karachi operation is continuing successfully with the cooperation of all political parties including MQM.
He said the federal government is extending all possible support to the provincial government for maintenance of law and order in the provincial capital.
He said he will meet with the delegation of MQM on Saturday to address their concerns.
Ghazi Gulab Jamal appreciated the government efforts for peace process. He said the entire nation was on the same page about dialogue process but regretfully an attempt was made to derail it through the drone attack.
This‚ he said‚ clearly indicates that some forces do not want peace and tranquility in the country.
Rising on a point of order‚ Leader of the Opposition‚ Syed Khurshid Shah referred to the protest of the Opposition in the Senate and said the Prime Minister should intervene and go to the House to settle the issue.
He said the opposition in the Senate has been boycotting the proceedings for the last nine days.
He said the Interior Minister should demonstrate flexibility and fulfill the demand of the opposition regarding the number of casualties occurred in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa due to acts of terrorism.
The session has been adjourned till Thursday morning 10:30 am.
