News
Apology fine, but no more incursions: Malik
ISLAMABAD, Oct 8 (APP): Endorsing apologies on NATO’s incursion into Pakistan, Interior Minister Rehman Malik reiterated firm resolve of the government to defend Pakistani borders and not to tolerate any future incursion. “Apology is fine. But no more incursion in future. We do not want it to be repeated. Pakistani nation and Armed Forces are fully capable to defend motherland,” he said, in his winding up speech in National Assembly on adjournment motion of the opposition parties against NATO helicopters strike inside Pakistan killing FC jawans and innocent people.“Whole nation took the matter very seriously and so did the government. It was taken as an attack on our sovereignty and the government was clear and sure what to do in response of such aerial strikes,” he added.
“Our defence forces are capable of defending our sovereignty. The government reserves right to use other options in case of recurrence,” he said.
He said three FC jawans were killed and some others injured. “A wave of anger and wrath ran through whole the nation and so was the response of the government.”
The incident was condemned and conveyed the wrath of the nation and resolve of the government to the United States and ISAF, he said.
“NATO’s mandate is to operate inside Afghanistan not inside Pakistan. They have been reminded of it and informed it was clear violation of our sovereignty,” Malik said.
Pakistan’s military also raised the issue with NATO and joint investigation has been started, he said, we have also been assured, such incident will not reoccur.
Malik said, if any problem surfaces on the border, it can be resolved through consultation mechanism already in place.
Afghanistan is also suffering, he said, adding, let forces there continue their operation inside Afghanistan. “If they need any assistance, we are there. But, we shall not tolerate any incursion.”
He said the protest of the nation and the government through diplomatic channels as well as through media, has been acknowledged globally.
He said, the United States, NATO and even the CIA Chief was clearly conveyed that Pakistani nation will not tolerate recurrence of any such act.
“Apology is victory of the nation and this House. We reaffirm to give a befitting reply if anybody cast an evil eye on our sovereignty,” Malik stated.
Speaking on the motion, Aftab Ahmed Sherapo NATo forces have made 24 strikes inside Pakistan in what he said such attacks manifest US defeat in Afghanistan.
He suggested the government to revisit the policies to ascertain as whether the government had its full writ in the areas where it claims to have purged of militancy.
He viewed the United States is considering the options whether to hold dialogue with stakeholders or to build up Kandhar operation even to the areas inside Pakistan.
Sherpao said Taliban are also pressuring Afghan government by declining the offers for talks from their government, so he said the US should be asked not to blame us for its failure in Afghanistan.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk