Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) on Wednesday decided to extend cut-off date for finalising its recommendations about the country’s role in war against terrorism and the proposals would be finalised next week, Pakistan Today has learnt reliably.
A source said the commission discuss the recommendations made by the foreign ministry and defence ministry. The source said substantial developments were made today and a consensus was being developed. However, the sensitivity of the matter meant the cut out date is being extended and recommendations will be finalised next week.”
However, the source said the committee has finalised its draft recommendations on the new terms of engagement with Nato and ISAF forces which would be sent to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Later, briefing reporters after the meeting of committee held at the Parliament House, PCNS Chairman Senator Raza Rabbani said committee members carefully discussed 63 recommendations, including proposals from committee members, from the envoys’ conference and the ministry of defence and ministry of foreign affairs in light of the overall international situation after the NATO attack on Pakistani checkposts in Mohmand agency.
“The committee has almost finalized its recommendations,” he said.
On the continued absence of the finance minister from committee meeting, Rabbani said the finance minister will attend the Thursday meeting to present his perspective.
“The secretaries of foreign affairs and defence will be invited to attend the meeting on Tuesday next week to give their input. If found necessary, their points of view will be incorporated in the final recommendations,” he added. He said the final recommendations will be sent to the Prime Minister to present them in the joint session of Parliament and form a strategy in the light of the recommendations.
Replying to a query, he said that all the recommendations had been finalised with a consensus and there was no descending note from any member. Members of the committee include Wasim Sajjad, Prof Khurshid Ahmed, Ishaq Dar, Munir Khan Orakzai, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Syed Haider Abbass Rizvi and Sardar Mehtab Abbassi.
