Agreements have to be strictly enforced
Instead of deciding single-handedly to yield, as Musharraf did after a private call from President Bush, the government is taking time to respond to the threats extended by President Trump through a public statement. As Khawaja Asif accompanied by NSA Janjua leaves for Beijing, proximity of views on some of the vital security issues seems to have emerged between the civil and military leadership. Khawaja Asif will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on bilateral relations and regional developments. A visit to Moscow, Ankara and Tehran is expected to follow. Discussions have meanwhile been held at the NSC, NA’s security committee, and a three day conference of Pakistani ambassadors appointed in important capitals. On Wednesday COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa spoke on major security issues and the demands put up by the US
Gen Bajwa’s views regarding the monopoly of the state over declaration of jihad and over exercising coercive powers would be widely welcomed. What needs to be ensured is that coercive power is employed strictly in accordance with the law and does not exceed the limits. What is also needed is that all non-state actors carrying arms are treated similarly.
Gen Bajwa said Pakistan has fought the hardest war against terrorism but its sacrifices are ignored. Pakistan will not fight Afghanistan’s war. India needs to prioritise political and diplomatic solutions for sustainable resolution of the Kashmir issue instead of insulting Pakistan and using force against Kashmiris. National unity must be maintained we will not tolerate anyone shaking our foundations on the basis of religious, sectarian or caste differences.
Khawaja Asif who spoke on a private TV channel wanted Pakistan to make a clean break from the past. In 1979 and post Nine Eleven Pakistan followed the US and thus created problems that persist. Challenging the policy of permanent denial the Foreign Minister conceded that networks like LeT and JeM have been operating from within Pakistan. He wanted further restrictions on their activities in order. He conceded that there was a need to implement the National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit. .
