-- 'Immediate cessation' of American drone strikes and an unconditional apology for the killing of 24 soldiers in a Nato strike sought
-- Move expected to pave away for reopening Nato supply routes
-- Some recommendations focussed on relationship with India and regional issues
-- Need for greater market access to the US, Nato countries and other global markets underscored
The consensus resolution based on 14-point recommendations of the bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) signed by its 13 members, was unanimously adopted by the joint-sitting of the parliament moved by the panel chairman Mian Raza Rabbani.
Some key amendments have been effected in the revised recommendations. These also include deletion of clauses No 6, 10, 11 and 15 of the committee's earlier report pertaining to reopening of Nato supply route and imposition of taxes and other charges.
In the resolution, clause No 9 of the PCNS's previous report saying that "there should be prior permission and transparency on the number and presence of foreign intelligence operative in Pakistan" has been replaced with the new clause: "No private security contractors and/ or intelligence operatives shall be allowed".
It asked the government that relationship with US should be based on mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each other and Pakistan's sovereignty shall not be compromised. The gap between assertion and facts on the ground needs to be qualitatively bridged through effective steps, it added.
The parliament asked the government that the US footprint in Pakistan must be reviewed. This means (i) an immediate cessation of drone attacks inside the territorial borders of Pakistan, (ii) the cessation of infiltration into Pakistani territory on any pretext, including hot pursuit; (iii) Pakistani territory including its air space shall not be used for transportation of arms and ammunition to Afghanistan.
It called upon the government to ensure that the principles of an independent foreign policy must be grounded in strict adherence to the principles of policy as stated in Article 40 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the UN Charter and observance of international law.
It recommended that Pakistan's nuclear programme and assets, including its safety and security cannot be compromised. The US-Indo civil nuclear agreement has significantly altered the strategic balance in the region. Therefore, Pakistan should seek from the US and others a similar treatment/facility. The strategic position of Pakistan' vis-a-vis India on the subject of FMCT must not be compromised and this principle be kept in view in negotiations on this matter, it added.
It stated that Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the elimination of terrorism and combating extremism in pursuance of its national interest.
About the condemnable and unprovoked Nato/ISAF attack resulting in the martyrdom (shahadat) of 24 Pakistani soldiers, represents a breach of international law and constitutes a blatant violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the parliament asked the government to seek an unconditional apology from the US for the unprovoked incident dated November 25-26, 2011, in Mohmand Agency. In addition, the following measures be taken: i) Those held responsible for the Mohmand Agency attack should be brought to justice; ii) Pakistan should be given assurances that such attacks or any other acts impinging on Pakistan's sovereignty will not recur; iii) Ministry of Defence/PAF should formulate new flying rules for areas contiguous to the border.
It categorically said that no verbal agreement regarding national security shall be entered into by the government, its ministries, divisions, departments, attached departments, autonomous bodies or other organisations with any foreign government or authority. All such agreements or understandings shall cease to have effect forthwith, it added.
The parliament also categorically stated that no overt or covert operations inside Pakistan shall be permitted. And, instead it recommended that for negotiating or re-negotiating agreements/MOUs pertaining to or dealing with matters of national security, the following procedure shall be adopted: i) All Agreements/MOUs, including military co-operation and logistics, will be circulated to the Foreign Ministry and all concerned Ministries, attached or affiliated Organisations and Departments for their views;
ii) All Agreements/MOUs will be vetted by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; iii) All Agreements/MOUs, will be circulated to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The Committee shall vet and make recommendations in consultation with the stakeholders and forward the same to the Federal Cabinet for approval under the Rules of Business of the Federal Government;
iv) The Minister concerned will make a policy statement on the Agreements/MOUs in both the Houses of the Parliament.
It further stated that no private security contractors and/or intelligence operatives shall be allowed and Pakistan's territory will not be provided for the establishment of any foreign bases.
It also asked the international community to recognise Pakistan's colossal human and economic losses and continued suffering due to the war on terror. In the minimum, greater market access of Pakistan's exports to the US, Nato countries and global markets should be actively pursued, it suggested.
It further recommended that in the battle for the hearts and minds an inclusive process based on primacy of dialogue and reconciliation should be adopted. Such process must respect local customs, traditions, values and religious beliefs, it added.
Regarding Afghanistan, it stated that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict and efforts must be undertaken to promote a genuine national reconciliation in an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process.
To strengthen security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including the cross border flow of criminal elements, narcotics and weapons, the feasibility of additional measures including electronic surveillance may be evaluated and the process of local joint Jirgas should be encouraged according to local customs and traditions, it added.
It further recommended that Pakistani territory shall not be used for any kind of attacks on other countries and all foreign fighters, if found, shall be expelled from Pakistan's soil. Likewise, Pakistan does not expect the soil of other countries to be used against it.
It stated that the government needs to review the present focus of foreign policy keeping in view the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. It needs to establish a balance by emphasising links with our traditional allies and building new relationships for diversifying the sources of economic, military and political support. In this regard it may take the following, amongst other, steps: i) Pakistan's foreign policy must continue to focus on creating a peaceful environment in the region to pursue the goals of economic development and social progress; ii) The dialogue process with India should be continued in a purposeful and result-oriented manner on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest, including efforts for the solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Resolutions;
iii) Special attention must continue to be paid to developing close co-operative relations with neighbouring countries; iv) the strategic partnership with China must be deepened in all its dimensions; v) The relationship with the European Union should be strengthened and enhanced in spheres. vi) Relationship with the Russian Federation should be further strengthened; vi) Pakistan's support for the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan remains the cornerstone of its foreign policy; vii) Pakistan's support for the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan remains the cornerstone of its foreign policy; viii) Pakistan's special relationship with the Islamic world should be reinforced; ix) Pakistan's full membership of SCO should be actively pursued; x) Pakistan's bilateral relationships in the region and its institutional partnership with ASEAN must be upgraded and strengthened; and xi) Pakistan should actively pursue the gas pipeline projects with Iran and Turkmenistan.
Speaking on the recommendations‚ leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the parliament has done its job‚ as it has done before‚ and it is now for the government to implement them in letter and in spirit. He said their objections to the previous report were on the basis of national interests.
JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the opposition has concerns about implementation of these recommendations. According to him there was also consensus on two previous parliamentary resolutions on national security and declaration of the APC convened by the Prime Minister but there was hardly any progress towards their implementation.
Earlier, Rabbani congratulated the parliament and the political partiers for unanimously passing the recommendation, saying that for the first time in the history of the country, a democratically elected parliament is making foreign policy, hitherto a preserve of the country's civil and military establishment.