Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for a special session of the National Assembly to discuss Pakistan's foreign policy in light of a recent resolution by the US House of Representatives.
Speaking on the matter on the floor of the National Assembly, Dar proposed a special session on the foreign policy where the government will explain its policy. He highlighted the clarity and strength of Pakistan’s foreign policy. "If you look at the statements of the prime minister, he has a clear foreign policy," he remarked.
“The proposal to hold a special session related to foreign policy is appropriate,” Dar said, urging the government to explain its stance and actions. He highlighted that the government had already responded to the American resolution, which was presented late on Tuesday night.
"We responded promptly, stating that Pakistan is the second-largest parliamentary democracy in the world," he noted.
Dar indicated that a meeting to discuss foreign policy should be convened after the current budget session. "The National Assembly is currently passing the budget. Once this is completed, we can focus on foreign policy discussions," he said.
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The Foreign Office had already given an effective response to the US resolution, and Dar reiterated this sentiment by reading the Foreign Office's reaction in the House. He also announced that Pakistan would bring a resolution in a day or two in response to the US House of Representatives' resolution.
"The draft resolution is ready, and we have taken note of the American resolution. We will definitely respond to it," he affirmed.
He stressed that Pakistan could also discuss the affairs of other countries. "We cannot give anyone the right to interfere in our internal affairs," the deputy PM asserted, adding that Pakistan had taken notice of the American resolution and would definitely respond to it.
Dar took the opportunity to openly criticize Israel on the Palestine issue, countering claims that the government had not raised its voice on the matter. “It is not correct to say that the government did not raise its voice on the issue of Palestine,” he asserted.
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In addition to foreign policy matters, Dar addressed the issue of overseas Pakistanis' rights. He emphasized the need for legislative action to ensure their representation in both houses of parliament. "Regarding the vote of overseas Pakistanis, PML-N had said that they should get representation in both houses," he said. He urged the opposition to collaborate on legislating the voting rights for overseas Pakistanis.
Moreover, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered resumption of work on the CPEC after taking office, adding that Pakistan was not isolated in the world.
He further exclaimed that the US sanctions on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project were a big problem, adding that a briefing should be taken from the Petroleum Ministry in the Committee of the House on the project. "We all have to take Pakistan forward," he commented.
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Dar also rejected the claims of the opposition members regarding compensation to five Chinese victims of terrorism in Bisham. "The families of the Chinese victims were paid not $27 million but $2.5 million," he corrected.
Talking about Afghanistan, the deputy PM said Pakistan wanted a strong and stable neighbour, adding that the relations enjoyed with Kabul, including religious, political, cultural and traditional, are not the same with any other country.
A meeting regarding Afghanistan is going to be held in Doha after a few weeks, he announced, adding that the prime minister had accorded approval and Pakistan would fully participate in the meeting.
