Pakistan stand reflects 'a turning point' in FP: Firdous

LAHORE: The Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that Federal Cabinet’s decision to stay away from the Bonn Conference reflected national sentiments and a turning point in the foreign policy of the country.

“It is futile to be part of a conference seeking Afghanistan’s sovereignty when your own sovereignty is breached,” she said while talking to reporters at a local hotel Tuesday. The Information Minister said Pakistan had always supported Afghan owned process of reconciliation and had been hosting over 3.5 million Afghan refugees.

The Minister said it was time to make the international community realize that Pakistan had played a pivotal role for durable peace and stability in the region, but its territorial integrity was assaulted through unilateral action.

Dr Firdous said the democratic government would never compromise on the national prestige, security and sovereignty, adding that Pakistan’s sovereignty comes first.
She said the government was considering re-engagement strategy in the light of the decisions of the Defence Cabinet Committee (DCC) by taking all political parties on board, adding that the cabinet had referred the DCC decisions to the 17-member Parliamentary Committee on National Security to give its final recommendations.

The Minister said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will take the nation into confidence in the light of the recommendations of the committee during the joint-sitting of the parliament.

Firdous said priorities regarding the coalition partners on war against terror will be ascertained after the joint sitting.

Admiring the unprecedented unity and support shown by the nation as well as political parties in the larger national interest, she said the government welcomed the message of national harmony and unity.

She said Director General Military Operations (DGMO) will brief the cabinet during the next meeting.

The Information Minister informed that the Premier had called up all political leadership to consult on the NATO aggression against the country.

“We can’t live in diplomatic isolation in the modern era”, she said while responding to another question about dialogue with NATO on the issue. (APP)