News
‘We are ally but never a client state’: Qureshi
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): Pakistan is a US ally in war against terrorism but not a client state as it is a sovereign country enjoying freedom to make its own decisions, said Minister of State for Interior Tasneem Qureshi.“We have repeatedly informed the United States that we are ally in war against terrorism but not a client state. We are a sovereign nation and free to make decisions in our own interest as well,” said the state minister winding up discussion on an adjournment motion regarding non-release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui from prison in the USA.He said that previous governments did nothing for the release of Dr Aafia and wasted lot of time which has led the circumstances to this stage.
The Minister said the government has not only extended legal counseling to Dr Aafia but all possible measures have been taken to provide her medical facility.
“We have been clearly indicating to the US that Pakistani nation as well as the political Parliament unanimously opposes the US stance on Dr Aafia” he added.
He hoped the issue would not take much long for resolution and suggested a House committee to seek input from the members and said there is no other solution except the effective use of diplomatic channels.
Earlier, taking part in the discussion, Rana Tanveer termed it a very sensitive issue which must be solved on priority.
He demanded the government to expedite its efforts for the early release of Dr Aafia and every channel must be used for the purpose.
Hanif Abbasi urged the government to discontinue the policies of Pervez Musharraf despite having the mandate to rid the country of poverty, inflation and terrorism.
He said if the government does not review its foreign policy, the repatriation of Dr Aafia would be impossible and that the government should take a dignified and firm stance on the issue.
Saad Rafiq said the government had been raising the issue of Dr Aafia with visiting US dignitaries but it was not raised firmly and boldly.
He said the unanimous resolution by both the Houses and a protest walk would not heal her wounds and the people are of view that government has done nothing for release of Dr Aafia.
He said US aggression in Afghanistan and Iraq is no less than terrorism that has created anarchy across the world in general and Muslim world in particular.
Marvi Memon said Aafia’s trial in US is unjust and that she cannot be described as daughter of the nation until she is proven innocent by the jury.
She said all of the parliamentarians have not participated in protest walk because some of the members think the issue is being politicized as was observed by her sister too.
Ms Memon said Pakistan is losing its liberal agenda that can be not be regained by following what is wrong rather it can be achieved only believing in facts.
Criticizing viewpoint of Marvi Memon, PML-N member Sheikh Rohail Asghar said it is essential to clarify as from where and when Dr Aafia was arrested.
He said her point of view was a reflection of association with Pervez Musharraf who can never be pardoned for her grave crimes like murder of innocent students of Jamia Hafsa, Nawab Akbar Bugti and others.
She said such remarks are tantamount to humiliation of women of the country but it can in no way malign her positive impression.
Asif Hasnain said the issue does not relate to only Dr Aafia rather it is an outcome of previous policies being pursued by Pakistan for years those have entangled Pakistan among powerful states.
He said if the nation stands united on the issue of Dr Aafia, it will pave way for resolution of other national and international issues.
Sheikh Waqas Akram said it is not time to forward agenda of liberalism and pursue agenda of western nations as it would in no way benefit the nation as well as individuals.
He said in 86-year sentence, on four counts, does not even mention to her involvement in terrorism and even if she is terrorist, she should have been trailed in Pakistan.
Retired Captain Safdar said had Pervez Musharraf resisted to the US pressure, the country could not have even dared to arrest Dr Aafia.
He suggested the closure of US bases in Pakistan and described Dr Aafia issue is more important than 9/11 and if the government does not take issue seriously, the nation will never forgive.
Minister for Tourism Maulana Ata-ur Rehman said the Parliament in its in-camera session had devised a strategy for national security and the United States should be questioned as why it was violating those policies.
He viewed if Pakistan succeeds getting those policies implemented, United States will never dare to treat any Pakistani citizen in such inhuman manner.
Raza Hayat Haraj said despite unanimous resolution by both Houses of Parliament, US is not ready to release Dr Aafia and stop drone strikes inside Pakistan.
He said the Foreign Minister is supposed to engage counsels to challenge her sentence.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk