Pak Parliamentary Committee recommends independent foreign policy

Karachi, Apr.14 (ANI): A Parliamentary Committee on National Security has asked the Gilani government to formulate an independent foreign policy with a core focus on national interest.

The 17 member committee headed by PPP senator Raza Rabbani, in its report, has urged the government to ask the defence, foreign and interior ministries to initiate an intra-departmental process for the review and formulation of national security policies.

The report viewed that the world wide threat of terrorism could be thwarted by resolving the issues of the Muslim world.

"The government should also tell the world the human and financial losses it has suffered in the war on terror and that Pakistan was not the lone sanctuary of the terrorists. The threat of terrorism can be effectively addressed by resolving the issues confronting the Muslim world," the report stated.

It said that the problem of extremism could not be solved by military means as it requires a multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue.

"In order to take this process forward, all political parties along with religious leaders need to be taken on board besides preparing an effective media strategy for reinforcing the national consensus on combating terrorism," The Daily Times quoted the report, as saying.

The 25 page report of the committee mentions a need for a 'sensitisation campaign' to counter the impact and influence of militant ideologies and also to correct negative sensitivity that feed extremism.

Taking note of the continuous US led drone strikes on militants' hideout inside the country's geographical territory, the report said the government must take an un-compromising attitude to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.

"In order to counter unilateral drone attacks on Pakistani soil, the government should take steps such as to intensifying the diplomatic offensive in telling the world that these attacks are counter-productive and fuel anti-US sentiments amongst the people," it stated.

It also urged the government to ensure that Pakistan's soil is not utilized for plotting any terror attack on other countries, and a severe crack down on non-state actors. (ANI)