Business Recorder
Published Date: Oct 11, 2011
SPEAKERS FOR REVISITING FOREIGN POLICY TO PROTECT SOVEREIGNTY
Speakers at a seminar here on Monday underlined the need for revisiting the country’s foreign policy to protect its sovereignty against external threats. They were addressing a seminar “Violation and Threats to Pakistan’s Sovereignty and Response,” organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
The speakers agreed that no one could trample Pakistan’s sovereignty if policies were carved keeping the national interests in view. Defence Analyst Lieutenant General Mohammad Asad Durrani (Retd), has pointed out that to meet global challenges there should be rule of law in Pakistan.
“Though the higher judiciary have got independence still there is long way to go to become self-sufficient nation, which is essential to have say at the international arena,” he added. He said Pakistan has no link with Haqqani group and the US charges against Pakistan are merely based on speculations. He said that Pakistan for the past 60 years could not find true allies and the interests of Pakistan have always been ignored by the US and European countries.
He added Nato has lost war in Afghanistan and now it is in the country for mere face saving. Afghanistan has strategic importance for Pakistan, so the national policies should be evolved according to the situation in Afghanistan. Senior journalist Talat Hussain, while giving his views, said that Pakistan’s sovereignty faces threats on two fronts, from India at the eastern border and Nato, US forces and Afghanistan at the western border.
He underlined the need that the concerned authorities should stop regrouping of Taliban and they should be caught and punished. He said Pakistan faces severe internal fragmentation including Karachi’s ethnic unrest. He said the economic, defence and social polices should be evolved and implemented in consultation with all political parties and keeping in view the interests of Pakistan.
Addressing the conference, former foreign secretary Akram Zaki said that the US charges against Pakistan of having links with Haqqani network was manifestation of its defeat in Afghanistan. The speakers urged media to play its vital role at this critical juncture. The speakers were unanimous that Pakistan has enlightened and vibrant middle class, who played a lead role in the movement for independence of judiciary.