The US has its reservations over the growing corruption in Pakistan and is monitoring it closely, the US Special Ambassador for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke has said. “We are closely monitoring corruption in Pakistan”, The Nation quoted Holbrooke, as saying in an exclusive chat with a TV channel. He said that the United States [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Kerry-Lugar’
TAPI gasline plan gets govt’s nod
October 28th, 2010 |
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LAHORE – The Federal Cabinet, which met here on Wednesday with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in the chair, took a number of decisions in its 68th meeting; the most important among them being the approval of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project and resigning of the Defence and Defence Equipment Agreement with South Africa.
The Cabinet also expressed its satisfaction over the outcome of recently concluded third round of Strategic Dialogue with the US, as Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed its members in detail on the subject. It also reviewed the status of implementation of its prior decisions. The Cabinet was informed that some of the decisions relating to various ministries that are pending would be implemented shortly after completion of necessary formalities, which include consultations with the foreign countries and other relevant ministries and stakeholders.
Briefing the newsmen about the decisions taken by the Cabinet, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira narrated salient features and significance of the Pak-US Strategic Dialogue as told to the Cabinet members.
Kaira said Pakistan was among five countries out of 184 countries of the world with whom the US was having strategic relations. He said the Dialogue had been upgraded to the Foreign MinisterÂ’s level and political engagement in five sectors had been extended to encompass 13 sectors. He described it a big achievement of the government.
Giving details of the outcome of the Dialogue, the information minister said that the US had assured five-year economic assistance package of $1.5 billion per annum under the Kerry-Lugar Act for socio-economic development of Pakistan besides announcing Security Assistance Package of $2 billion for Pakistan spread over five years.
He said Coalition Support Fund would be expedited, and Pakistan would receive $750 million by the end of November this year. The US will help modernise and upgrade the law-enforcement agencies of Pakistan including supply of necessary equipment, and $125 million had been allocated for the purpose, he added.
Kaira said the US had specified $300 million for Enterprise Fund to promote public-private partnership in Pakistan through corporate investment. He said a steering committee headed by Secretary Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke of the US would follow up on decisions of the Dialogue. He said the US was also briefed on the impact of the floods disaster on various sectors.
He said US President Obama, a strong supporter of democracy in Pakistan also met the Pakistani delegation and committed to visiting Pakistan next year besides inviting President of Pakistan to visit his country.
The Prime Minister has directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief the Parliament about the deliberations, Kaira told newsmen.
The Cabinet deliberated upon the forthcoming Pakistan Development Forum (PDF) meeting to be held on November 14-15, 2010, and was told that Pakistan would present its future economic development vision before the prospective donor countries on the occasion, Kaira further told reporters. He, however, made it clear it was not a DonorsÂ’ Conference in which the participating countries were supposed to make commitments for support.
The Cabinet agreed with the Prime MinisterÂ’s vision that efforts be made in the Forum to have access to the international markets for the Pakistani goods to reduce dependence on assistance in future.
Talking about other decisions taken by the cabinet, he said that it accorded approval, in principle, to the draft MoU on Cooperation between Naif Arab University For Security Sciences (NAUSS), KSA and National Defence University (NDU), Pakistan.
The Cabinet approved in principle the draft Land Surveying and Mapping Bill 2010 and referred it Law and Justice Division for vetting. It also accorded approval to the re-signing of the agreement concerning “Defence and Defence Equipment” with South Africa for a period of five years.
The Cabinet also gave approval for signing of agreements between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of Pakistan.
To a question about TAPI gas pipeline agreement to import gas from Turkmenistan, the minister said Pakistan neither accepted any foreign pressure in respect of Iran Gas Pipeline Project nor will it do so in case of TAPI agreement on gas import.
A draft Bill for regulating Hajj, Umra and Ziarat also came under discussion, and was referred to a Cabinet Committee which would include Ministers for Religious Affairs, Tourism and Law and Justice. The Cabinet observed that at present tourism laws do not cover the specific problems of the pilgrims who have to travel abroad to perform religious rituals. The meeting identified certain areas in which the tour operators and the travel agents mislead the pilgrims for which there were no legal remedies to address their grievances.
The Cabinet was briefed by the Secretary, Ministry of Food and Agriculture on the availability of the food items including wheat after the floods. He briefly mentioned about the damages caused to the agriculture sector and the remedies undertaken by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The Cabinet was further apprised of the Rabi Assistance Package for the supply of free seeds and fertilizers to the farmers in the flood-affected areas. The Cabinet after deliberations decided to refer the matter to Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which would meet shortly on urgent basis to consider the matter.
Replying to a question, he said that Pakistan would decide the time for launching of military operation in North Waziristan. To another question about imposition of flood tax on the rich as desired by US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, the minister just confined himself to saying that those out of the tax net must be brought under it without stating in categorical terms that government was going to tax them.
Afghanistan a ‘contest of wills’: Petraeus
June 29th, 2010 |
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WASHINGTON – The July 2011 deadline for beginning US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan “is the beginning of a process, not the date when the US heads for the exits,” Gen David Petraeus told Senators on Tuesday.
But while Petraeus – who is being questioned during his Senate Armed Service Committee confirmation hearings to be appointed new commander of US forces in Afghanistan – emphasised his support for the deadline set by President Barack Obama, he also said that the pace of any US withdrawals next year should be “responsible” and determined by conditions on the ground at the time.
His careful explanation reflects the ongoing tension between the military, which wants to stay longer in Afghanistan, and some within the Obama administration, who favour a rapid drawdown and a shift to a smaller military footprint.
Petraeus was chosen last week by Obama to take command in Afghanistan after the previous commander, Gen Stanley A McChrystal, was fired over comments he and his several aides made in a Rolling Stone article.
Petraeus is expected to be easily confirmed, perhaps later this week.
The General assured Afghanistan and Pakistan of enduring American commitment to the region as he also underlined PakistanÂ’s role in the Afghan reconciliation process, saying that US relationship with Pakistan was vitally important.
“That relationship (with Pakistan) is crucially important. And we have worked very very hard (at it) as did Admiral Mullen (chairman Joint Chiefs) and as did by the way General McChrystal,” he said referring to the American commanders’ visits to Islamabad for meetings with Pakistani leaders and Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
“It is going to be a number of years before Afghan forces can truly handle the security tasks in Afghanistan on their own. The commitment to Afghanistan is necessarily, therefore, an enduring one and neither the Taliban nor our Afghan and Pakistani partners should doubt that,” he stated.
On the possibility of an agreement between the Afghan government and militants, who wish to join reconciliation process, Petraeus explained, “It will depend on a number of factors this summer.”
Petraeus, who Tuesday morning had a conversation with President Hamid Karzai on his way to the hearing, also said the Afghan leader “assured me that he has not met a Haqqani network group leader in recent days or I think at any time.”
“With respect to Pakistani involvement in some form of reconciliation agreement, I think, that is essential,” Petraeus, who heads the US central command, said.
He was responding to a question by Chairman of the Committee Senator Carl Levin on PakistanÂ’s potential to broker a reconciliation deal between the Taliban leadership and Afghan government at this time.
Petraeus said the relationship between the Afghan and Pakistani governments and their militaries is critical. “They are always going to be neighbours. They have had at various times differing objectives and what we need to do is to help them realise that there are mutual objectives that could help each country more if they seek them, rather than by seeking objectives that are in conflict.”
Asked by a lawmaker how the US “will work with the Afghan government to manage Pakistan’s strategic interests” in Afghanistan, Petraeus replied, “We can facilitate the dialogue, participate in the dialogue, be an honest
broker, we are friends to both. We are enormously enabling both. Pakistan is in a tough fight. One of its fights, by the way, is to keep our lines of communication open.”
For its part, he said, the United States provide substantial coalition support funding, foreign military financing and economic aid as under the Kerry-Lugar Act, passed last year.
Over the weekend, President Obama characterised the increasing contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan as “useful” but suggested caution at the early stage of the negotiations process.
Petraeus offered a mixed assessment of the progress of the war, predicting that violence would get worse in coming months but asserting that the US and its allies have made progress in Helmand province and other areas.
“My sense is that the tough fighting will continue; indeed, it may get more intense in the next few months,” Petraeus said. “As we take away the enemy’s safe havens and reduce the enemy’s freedom of action, the insurgents will fight back.”
Petraeus, who was directly involved in formulating the current strategy as head of US Central Command, did not signal any immediate change of direction in his statement. But he noted that some US soldiers have complained about rules of engagement and tactical rules set by McChrystal aimed at preventing civilian casualties.
“Those on the ground must have all the support they need when they are in a tough situation,” Petraeus said, noting that since he was nominated for the command position he has spoken about the issues with President Karzai and other Afghan officials, who long have complained about civilian casualties.
“I am keenly aware of concerns by some of our troopers on the ground about the application of our rules of engagement and the tactical directive. They should know that I will look very hard at this issue,” Petraeus said.
He added, however, that he would continue McChrystalÂ’s emphasis on reducing civilian casualties.
In an opening statement, Senator Levin, the chairman, strongly supported the July 2011 date for the beginning of withdrawals of United States troops from Afghanistan but also said that progress there was “spotty” and that he remained “deeply concerned” by reports that relatively few Afghan Army troops were in the lead in operations in the south.
Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, declared in his opening statement that Afghanistan was “not a lost cause,” and that “the Afghans do not want the Taliban back.”
The hearing comes at a time of rising violence in Afghanistan, as an expanded troop contingent wages a wider, more aggressive fight. It also comes at a time of growing doubts – in Congress, among ordinary Americans and even among some in the military – that the war can be won.
PPP & Army in sync for first time: Gilani
December 24th, 2009 |
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ISLAMABAD (APP) – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday rejecting any differences between the government and the army said it was a disciplined force, working within the constitutional ambit and has to tow the official policies.
“The army stands by the government, and there is no doubt about it,” the Prime Minister said in an interview with a local news channel.
“It is for the first time that the Pakistan Peoples Party has better ties with the army,” the Prime Minister said when asked about the army’s reservations on the Kerry Lugar bill, its role in restoration of judiciary and decision not to send the ISI chief to India, following the Mumbai attacks.
He said earlier the party used to have an anti-establishment stance, but this time, especially Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kiyani supported the democratic government.
He said the government would complete its five-year term as it was its mandate. He said the nation was aware of all the challenges and he would be answerable to them when he completes his term.
When asked about army’s stance on the Kerry Lugar Bill, the Prime Minister said, “We are together.” Gilani also expressed complete confidence over the working of the Inter Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) and said, “We do not want to politicize them.” He said the army played a “pro-democracy role” that’s why President Asif Ali Zardari was sworn in as the President of the country.
Asked whether the army played a major role in restoration of judiciary, the prime minister said, “I and the President took a decision two days earlier to restore the Chief Justice through an executive order.”
“We decided and then we informed General Kiyani about it,” the prime minister said. He denied any knowledge of any telephone call by the army chief to Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan.
He said Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was restored on the same day when Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar had to retire.
The prime minister also denied the impression that army was playing any role in the politics.
About the recent meetings of the President and the Prime Minister with the political leadership, he said these were routine where they discussed security matters.
Asked about any extension in the tenure of General Kiyani, the prime minister said he was a highly professional General and said the matter should not be made controversial since there was still a year before he was due to retire.
About the defence budget he said the parliament was sovereign and can discuss anything.
Regarding the NRO, Gilani said neither he nor the federation and the four provinces defended it and would not comment as the matter was subjudice. About the NRO cases against the ministers, Gilani said they were already facing the courts.
Terming the drone strikes counterproductive, the prime minister said the US government was being convinced and hoped that soon they would evolve a strategy to share actionable intelligence so that Pakistan can take the action on its own.
Gilani said he was fully abreast with the progress on the countryÂ’s nuclear program.
Regarding trial against President Pervez Musharraf under Article 6, Gilani said, “I am for the trial of Musharraf, but I need consensus of the House.”
He said the Supreme Court too could take suo moto notice as it already had been doing in many cases of public interest.
Regarding his replacement with Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan, the prime minister aid “everybody who is in the party has a right as it is a democracy” and added it was up to the party to take a decision in this regard.
About his achievements during his two-year tenure, the Prime Minister mentioned National Finance Award, self-governance in Gilgit-Baltistan and Aghaz-e-Haqooq Balochistan as his major achievements.
Meanwhile, talking to a select group of print and electronic media representatives at the PM House, the Prime Minister said that the 17th amendment would be repealed and its annulment would be “a feather in the cap of Pakistan People’s Party and its government.”
“I am committed with Mian Nawaz Sharif to undo the 17thamendment, 58- 2(B) and the bar on third time prime ministership,” he said.
He said the committee headed by Senator Raza Rabbaini had resolved most of the issues and its work was now in “final stage.”
The Prime Minister dismissed speculation about a institutional conflict in the making.
“I believe every institution should play its role within the parameters of the Constitution,” he added.
He said the government had full faith in the judiciary and therefore from the day one it had decided not to defend the NRO in the Supreme Court as it was aware of its repercussions.
“We accepted the verdict of the apex court on NRO,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the cases had been reopened in accordance with the verdict and pointed out that mere allegations did not warrant resignation.
“No one can resign on the basis of mere allegations. Let courts take decisions”, he added.
About the challenges the government was facing, Gilani said the government would turn these into opportunities.
“We have not come to power through back door but have been elected by the people of Pakistan and have a mandate for five years. The Government shall complete its tenure,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the PPP enjoyed public support, which was once again demonstrated by results of the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the win of the partyÂ’s candidates also in by-polls.
To a question about possibility of former president Pervez MusharrafÂ’s trial, Gilani said this could be done if all political parties and the parliament support it.
He said it was not Musharraf alone but those who supported him were also liable to being taken to task under article 6 of the Constitution.
To a question, Gilani said there were no differences between the army and the government.
Asked about judgesÂ’ restoration, he said his first order after his election ended detention of the deposed judges.
He said later Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was restored by him in March. “It was my decision and not of the COAS”.
About interference of India in Balochistan, he said he had told the Indian prime minister about it in Sharmel Sheikh in Egypt.
The successful operation in South Waziristan has dismantled the network of Baitullah Mehsud and now the terrorists are on the run, he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government and the security forces were “doing a great job” with public and media support.
He rejected rumours that there were differences between the President and the Prime Minister. “I am running the government and the co-chairperson is running the party.”
The intention of the President is clear and he wants to transfer power to the Parliament, he said.
Zardari thanks US, Nawaz shows concerns
October 19th, 2009 |
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ISLAMABAD – In an attempt to allay apprehensions of Pakistanis over the Kerry-Lugar Burner (KLB) Act, US Senator John Kerry while meeting with Pakistani leadership has said that the legislation intended to cement long-term partnership with Pakistan.
Talking to dignitaries in Islamabad, one of the architects of the Act, Kerry observed that the core intent of the enhanced partnership through the Act was to demonstrate the American peopleÂ’s long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan.
During his meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif, the visiting US delegation headed by Senator John Kerry termed the controversy on KLB as unfortunate. The delegation stressed that it was a genuine effort on the part of the US to build a long-term partnership between the two countries by investing $7.5 billion in the next five years for the socio-economic development of the people of Pakistan.
He hoped that the joint explanatory statement had successfully allayed the misgivings of the concerned circles in Pakistan and added that he would be meeting PakistanÂ’s military as well to further clarify and reassure them about the real intent of US Congress and administration to help Pakistan through KLB legislation.
Talking to Senator Kerry, President Zardari thanked the US leadership for supporting democracy in Pakistan and said that he looked forward to Secretary of State Hillary ClintonÂ’s visit to Islamabad and holding of US-Pak strategic dialogue.
Presidential spokesman said that President Zardari expressed the hope that ROZs (Reconstruction Opportunity Zones) legislation would soon be approved and counterproductive labour provision would be softened. He said that Pakistan looked forward to enhancement of area as well as product coverage in the ROZs scheme. He said that ROZs should not be seen as trade concession measures but as an effective instrument to quell militancy and extremism.
Prime Minister Gilani proposed US administration to route the assistance under KLB through the trust funds for the uplift and reconstruction of the districts of Malakand division. He added that through Benazir Income Support Programme, the government was reaching out the poor segments of society in the country.
He also underlined the need for the provision of market access for Pakistani products and for expeditious passage of ROZ Bill in this regard. He informed Kerry that there was national consensus in the country to eliminate the evil forces of terrorism and extremism on the basis of which military action was under way in South Waziristan Agency.
While underlining the importance of support of the masses for decisive victory, he highlighted the imperative of development aspect in his governmentÂ’s strategy to gain the sustained support of the nation on this issue.
The Prime Minister apprised Senator Kerry that in the first few days of Army action, the dislocation of people had already started and an influx of them was expected in the coming weeks. He urged the US and friends of Pakistan to come forward wholeheartedly to provide adequate financial assistance to cater for the dislocated persons and later on for the development of the affected areas.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would remain constructively engaged with the international partners including USA to promote the shared objectives of peace, security and development in Afghanistan. “Pakistan looks forward to continued cooperation with the new elected government of Afghanistan in the best interest of peace and security of the region,” he added.
He fully agreed with the Prime Minister on the urgent need to focus on social sector development in the affected areas and identified reconstruction of schools, hospitals, shelters and provision of seeds and livestock as priority areas for the people.
He also assured the Prime Minister that the US would use its good offices with the European Union for provision of market access for Pakistani goods under GSP Plus Facilities and that the passage of ROZ Bill from Congress would be fast tracked.
Senator John Kerry met Quaid Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Mian Nawaz Sharif here and discussed Pak-US relations, security situation and KLB Act.
Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) Quaid during his meeting with US Senator John Kerry at Punjab House said that his party was reviewing the explanatory statements attached with the KLB Act and they would be able to give its reaction on the act after having thorough debate on it.
PML(N) Quaid, however, conveyed reservations of his party and people of Pakistan over the bill, saying the PPP led coalition government did not take into confidence the opposition parties on it. Senator John Kerry during the meeting said that the main objective of the bill was to help Pakistan and reservations of Pakistani people would be removed.
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan and Senator Ishaq Dar were also present on the occasion.
Nawaz urged Senator John Kerry to consider suitable measures to allay the doubts and misgivings that had arisen in Pakistan about the KLB Act. He appraised the Senator of the feelings and concerns of the people of Pakistan regarding the KLB Act.
PML-N Chief reaffirmed that the said bill, with its conditionalities continues to cause concerns, which he emphasised needed to be addressed to establish a relationship of trust and confidence between the two countries.
The former prime minister assured Senator Kerry that Pakistan valued its friendship with the United States. He therefore, urged upon Obama administration and the US Congress to establish a genuine partnership with the people of Pakistan based on mutual respect and mutual trust.
Online adds: Senator John Kerry, who is one of the founders of Kerry-Lugar Bill, has made it clear that presently no change is possible in the Kerry-Lugar Bill.
Talking to senior journalists here on Monday, he said the military and political leadership has adopted uniform stance on the US aid bill, adding, US respects PakistanÂ’s sovereignty and neither it had compromised on it nor it is possible in future.
‘Pakistan is an independent country and it will spend 7.5 billion dollars aid on its own but though it is the amount of US taxpayers amount and, therefore, they and some US congressmen ask where the amount would be spent and Hillary Clinton would present report in this regard’, he added.
According to him, we are giving to Pakistan about 7.5 billion dollars aid and are also listening to its complaints.
Terrorism is an international problem as terror events had taken place in US, Germany and other countries, he said.
In reply to a question regarding abolishment of check posts on Afghan border, Kerry said he has no information about it and the issue was not raised during his meetings with COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and DG ISI Shuja Pasha.
Zardari thanks US, Nawaz shows concerns
October 19th, 2009 |
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ISLAMABAD – In an attempt to allay apprehensions of Pakistanis over the Kerry-Lugar Burner (KLB) Act, US Senator John Kerry while meeting with Pakistani leadership has said that the legislation intended to cement long-term partnership with Pakistan.
Talking to dignitaries in Islamabad, one of the architects of the Act, Kerry observed that the core intent of the enhanced partnership through the Act was to demonstrate the American peopleÂ’s long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan.
During his meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif, the visiting US delegation headed by Senator John Kerry termed the controversy on KLB as unfortunate. The delegation stressed that it was a genuine effort on the part of the US to build a long-term partnership between the two countries by investing $7.5 billion in the next five years for the socio-economic development of the people of Pakistan.
He hoped that the joint explanatory statement had successfully allayed the misgivings of the concerned circles in Pakistan and added that he would be meeting PakistanÂ’s military as well to further clarify and reassure them about the real intent of US Congress and administration to help Pakistan through KLB legislation.
Talking to Senator Kerry, President Zardari thanked the US leadership for supporting democracy in Pakistan and said that he looked forward to Secretary of State Hillary ClintonÂ’s visit to Islamabad and holding of US-Pak strategic dialogue.
Presidential spokesman said that President Zardari expressed the hope that ROZs (Reconstruction Opportunity Zones) legislation would soon be approved and counterproductive labour provision would be softened. He said that Pakistan looked forward to enhancement of area as well as product coverage in the ROZs scheme. He said that ROZs should not be seen as trade concession measures but as an effective instrument to quell militancy and extremism.
Prime Minister Gilani proposed US administration to route the assistance under KLB through the trust funds for the uplift and reconstruction of the districts of Malakand division. He added that through Benazir Income Support Programme, the government was reaching out the poor segments of society in the country.
He also underlined the need for the provision of market access for Pakistani products and for expeditious passage of ROZ Bill in this regard. He informed Kerry that there was national consensus in the country to eliminate the evil forces of terrorism and extremism on the basis of which military action was under way in South Waziristan Agency.
While underlining the importance of support of the masses for decisive victory, he highlighted the imperative of development aspect in his governmentÂ’s strategy to gain the sustained support of the nation on this issue.
The Prime Minister apprised Senator Kerry that in the first few days of Army action, the dislocation of people had already started and an influx of them was expected in the coming weeks. He urged the US and friends of Pakistan to come forward wholeheartedly to provide adequate financial assistance to cater for the dislocated persons and later on for the development of the affected areas.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would remain constructively engaged with the international partners including USA to promote the shared objectives of peace, security and development in Afghanistan. “Pakistan looks forward to continued cooperation with the new elected government of Afghanistan in the best interest of peace and security of the region,” he added.
He fully agreed with the Prime Minister on the urgent need to focus on social sector development in the affected areas and identified reconstruction of schools, hospitals, shelters and provision of seeds and livestock as priority areas for the people.
He also assured the Prime Minister that the US would use its good offices with the European Union for provision of market access for Pakistani goods under GSP Plus Facilities and that the passage of ROZ Bill from Congress would be fast tracked.
Senator John Kerry met Quaid Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Mian Nawaz Sharif here and discussed Pak-US relations, security situation and KLB Act.
Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) Quaid during his meeting with US Senator John Kerry at Punjab House said that his party was reviewing the explanatory statements attached with the KLB Act and they would be able to give its reaction on the act after having thorough debate on it.
PML(N) Quaid, however, conveyed reservations of his party and people of Pakistan over the bill, saying the PPP led coalition government did not take into confidence the opposition parties on it. Senator John Kerry during the meeting said that the main objective of the bill was to help Pakistan and reservations of Pakistani people would be removed.
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan and Senator Ishaq Dar were also present on the occasion.
Nawaz urged Senator John Kerry to consider suitable measures to allay the doubts and misgivings that had arisen in Pakistan about the KLB Act. He appraised the Senator of the feelings and concerns of the people of Pakistan regarding the KLB Act.
PML-N Chief reaffirmed that the said bill, with its conditionalities continues to cause concerns, which he emphasised needed to be addressed to establish a relationship of trust and confidence between the two countries.
The former prime minister assured Senator Kerry that Pakistan valued its friendship with the United States. He therefore, urged upon Obama administration and the US Congress to establish a genuine partnership with the people of Pakistan based on mutual respect and mutual trust.
Online adds: Senator John Kerry, who is one of the founders of Kerry-Lugar Bill, has made it clear that presently no change is possible in the Kerry-Lugar Bill.
Talking to senior journalists here on Monday, he said the military and political leadership has adopted uniform stance on the US aid bill, adding, US respects PakistanÂ’s sovereignty and neither it had compromised on it nor it is possible in future.
‘Pakistan is an independent country and it will spend 7.5 billion dollars aid on its own but though it is the amount of US taxpayers amount and, therefore, they and some US congressmen ask where the amount would be spent and Hillary Clinton would present report in this regard’, he added.
According to him, we are giving to Pakistan about 7.5 billion dollars aid and are also listening to its complaints.
Terrorism is an international problem as terror events had taken place in US, Germany and other countries, he said.
In reply to a question regarding abolishment of check posts on Afghan border, Kerry said he has no information about it and the issue was not raised during his meetings with COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and DG ISI Shuja Pasha.
US rejects Pak opposition to Kerry Lugar bill
October 14th, 2009 |
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The US on Wednesday rejected Pakistan’s last minute bid to seek a change in the text of the Kerry Lugar bill providing USD 7.5 billion aid to that country, asserting that it did not impinge on its sovereignty as claimed by the Pakistan Army.
As US President Barack Obama prepared to sign the bill into [...]
Obama likely to sign bill on civilian, military aid to Pak
October 8th, 2009 |
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US President Barack Obama would “shortly sign” the Kerry-Lugar Bill on civilian and military aid to Islamabad which has been passed by both senate and house of representatives last week.
The Bill has provisions which link Pakistan’s progress in its fight against terrorism to any military aid to that country.
Earlier, Pakistani Army chief General Ashfaq [...]
Army pillories Kerry-Lugar Bill
October 7th, 2009 |
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Islamabad – Top brass of the Pakistan Army Wednesday expressed serious concern over the Kerry-Lugar Bill for fear that it would have far reaching implications on the countryÂ’s national security, and sought the parliament to help the government in evolving national response.
“The Kerry-Lugar bill was discussed during the 122nd Corps Commanders Conference held under the chair of Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the Conference expressed serious concern regarding clauses impacting on National Security”, an ISPR press release said.
It said that a formal input is being provided to the Government. However, in the considered view of the commanders it was the Parliament, that represents the will of the people of Pakistan, which would deliberate on the issue, enabling the Government to develop a national response.
Other sources said that the conference examined the most contentious parts of the otherwise pro-democracy document containing three certifications that the US Secretary of State is required to provide to congressional committees for continuing security assistance and the format of monitoring reports.
The certifications include confirmation that Pakistan government continues to cooperate in investigating nuclear proliferators; is making sustained efforts against terrorists, including blocking support allegedly by elements within the military and intelligence network for terrorists, taking action against terrorist bases and acting on intelligence about high-value targets provided to it; and that the security forces are not subverting the political and judicial processes.
General Kayani in his opening remarks dilated upon various issues related to national security and impending challenges faced by the country. He reiterated that Pakistan is a sovereign state and has all the rights to analyse and respond to the threat in accordance with her own national interests.
Kayani in his concluding remarks reiterated that Pakistan stands committed to global and regional peace, and wishes to live in harmony with her neighbours.
The participants were also given a comprehensive briefing on the current security situation in the country and the region.
Meanwhile, TheNation has learnt from well-placed PPP sources that President Asif Ali Zardari who directed his party comrades to defend the KLB tooth and nail the other day, has been disturbed by the Corps CommandersÂ’ concerns.
Insiders believed that the move would not only lead to creating serious cracks in the ruling alliance but within the PPP as well.
Kerry-Lugar Bill targets Pak nukes
October 2nd, 2009 |
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ISLAMABAD – Opposition senators expressed their rejection of Kerry-Lugar Bill seeing it as a means of
targeting PakistanÂ’s nuclear weapons. Raja Zafarul Haq declared that the monitoring of the Pakistan Army and
courts will pose a serious threat to national integrity. He also termed the US diplomats statements on drone
attacks on Quetta threatening.
Despite the serious issues raised, the Senate of Pakistan sounded more like an Eid Milan party rather than the
first day of the session, convened after 3 months, with ministers chatting at the back rather than showing an
interest in the proceedings.
Farooq Naek, in the Chair, remained bewildered and one saw constant interruptions by the Chair pleading to
follow the agreed agenda set out by the House Business Advisory Committee.
The situation dramatically changed the moment Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani left the House. Till then
the House had remained orderly and transacted some business on the agenda. But situation turned amusing
after he left with several important ministers, Rehman Malik, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo and Mehreen Anwar
Raja indulging in meeting their friends and acquaintances and moving around. This continued unabated inspite
of oft-repeated reminders to them by the Chairman.
Prior to adjournment amid these scenes, the House could dispose off a calling attention notice on PIA
privatisation plan and many points of order.
PPP Senator Mian Raza Rabbani sought to discuss the issue of PIA privatisation plan, which he believed was
aimed at denying trade union activities in the national flag carrier by outsourcing its services.
He urged the government to abandon its policy of privatisation of the national institutions that was doomed to fail
like it had happened in other countries of the world. Leader of Opposition, Waseem Sajjad also sought to
discuss purchase of potable water as well as meat, by PIA at exacerbated prices. While Tariq Azeem, Haroon
Akhtar, Haji Adeel Lt.gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi also sought to discuss accumulated losses in the PIA.
Responding to the calling attention notice, Defence Minister Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar rejected that PIA was being
privatised and requested the members to wait until the government puts up PIAÂ’s business plan in the House for
discussion.
This was followed by points of order many of which related to US threat to launch drone strikes on Quetta and
Kerry-Lugar Bill passed by the US Congress with such strings that many members of the House believed were
against sovereignty of the country.
By and large all the members of the House from Balochistan were ostensibly perturbed on the US threat to
attack and eliminate leader of Afghan Taliban Mullah Omer and his key associates allegedly living in Quetta and
sought to discuss this issue by sidelining other agenda items.
Hasil Bizenjo while quoting a recent report published by the New York Times that US plans to launch drone
strikes on Quetta that has become main concentration place for Mullah Omer and his associates.
He was of the view that US envoy to Pakistan Anne W Patterson was currently visiting her country to finalise the
US drone attacks plan. He warned Quetta was not Swat or Tora Bora. It would be a much bigger tragedy than
Swat, he said, adding the US attack on Quetta would lead to such a reaction that the incumbent PPP-led
government would not be able to tackle.
Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, Abdul Rahim Mandokhel, Mrs. Kulsoom, Mian Raza Rabbani,Maulana
Ghafoor Haidri,Ismail Buledi and Raja Zafar ul Haq also sought to discuss the US threat through points of order.
The issue of Kerry-Lugar Bill was more amusing for the gallery visitors as several members of the House were
dejected after Prime MinisterÂ’s statement saying Pakistan would give its reaction once US President signs the
said bill.
“What purpose it would serve once the bill is approved”, Raja Zafarul Haq asked from the Chairman. Raja Zafar
ul Haq, Waseem Sajjad, Ishaq Dar and others who raised their points of order seeking to discuss the
Kerry-Lugar Bill urged the government to reject it as it was against independence and sovereignty of Pakistan.
Leader of the House, Syed Nayar Hussain Bukhari while responding to points of order about Kerry-Lugar Bill
said it was such an issue needs decision of the entire nation. “It is US legislation, not of Pakistan”, he said
requesting all the members to study the Bill thoroughly before the House takes it up for debate.
Chairman Senate Farooq Naek in his remarks also expressed his intentions to study the bill.
More ironical were the points of order raised by Maulana Khalid Soomro and Dr. Safdar Abbasi seeking to
discuss amount of corruption being done by the authorities executing special development plan for district
Larkana launched on the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari. Chairman while taking note of the matter
adjourned the House to meet again on Monday afternoon.