ISLAMABAD: A detailed-policy guideline for Pakistan in response to the revised US Afghan policy was approved by the Senate on Wednesday.
A six-member subcommittee proposed the policy guidelines on the basis of which recommendations were devised by the entire house, which converted itself into a Whole Committee.
The House had come up with the recommendations after discussions with the Ministries of Defence and Interior, said Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani.
After the recommendations were accepted, the Senate chairman had directed that the recommendations be forwarded to all Pakistani embassies around the world.
The recommendations were also sent to the National Assembly.
“It has been proven yet again that the Senate comes together proactively when it comes to matters of national security,” he observed.
Launching a regional diplomatic initiative to coordinate responses to US President Donald Trump’s new Afghan policy, which ignores Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts, was recommended.
The report also states that the Foreign Office should summon the US ambassador and inform him of the country’s and Senate’s reservations on the policy laid out by US President Donald Trump in his August 21 speech.
US policy on Afghanistan is one-sided and Pakistan’s stance and reservations on the issue were ignored, said the report.
Safe havens in Afghanistan are used to conduct terrorist activities in Pakistan, the report said, adding that an increased Indian role in the region will lead to instability in the region.
The report suggests that Pakistan prepare a national policy paper after consultation with all stakeholders and also prepare a regional response, to be presented in the United Nations, to put across its point of view.
Pakistan should also prepare a policy paper on South Asia and detail human rights violations conducted by Indian in Kashmir, the Senate agreed.
The Senate rejected allegations made by the US and Afghanistan, reiterating that Pakistan will not be pressured by negative comments and propaganda.
The report also said that a fact sheet of Pakistan’s contributions in the war on terror, and US’s assistance to Pakistan should be immediately released.
