Pakistani opposition criticises Nawaz's policy on Iran, Afghanistan and ME

Opposition lawmakers expressed their views during a debate in the Senate on a motion on foreign policy moved by Senator Raza Rabbani of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

Opposition senators called for an end to Pakistan double standard and deceitfulness in regards to its foreign policy, calling on the need to move the state’s institutions away from the grasp of the military.

MPs feel very guarded towards the military, anxious that generals could wish to once again seek power and end any hope of a civil state.

Senators called for a serious rethink of Pakistan’s policy formulation in the light of current realities in the region – China, Iran, Afghanistan and India have all underwent key political change in terms of leadership -- 

Senator Farhatullah Babar noted that the basis of Pakistan foreign policy formulation is laid out in Article 40 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Reading out Article 40, he stressed, “If we have to adhere to such rules than we must break alleged links with any Afghan insurgents and prevent Afghan fighters from seeking refuge into Pakistan.”

He added, “A stable and democratic civilian government leading such a foreign policy would be welcomed by all parties … Duplicity however will only lead to further dissention … Although the government has claimed several times that Pakistan would not take sides in Syria, suspicions have lingered as to whether the state did indeed facilitate the transfer of militants to Syria as well as provided military assistance to militias.”

He emphasized that in a recent television talk show, the finance minister did mention that if Pakistanis went to Bahrain and Syria then it should be seen within the parameters of “employee-employer relationship” , somewhat hinted to a tacit agreement with those in support of the Syrian opposition.

Babar warned against such policy, noting that Pakistan stood to be sucked in into a yet another Afghanistan-like conflict, this time in the Middle East.

Former Interior Minister Rehman Malik also called for an urgent in-camera briefing by the government on its security and foreign policy as to clear the air.
 
Senator Afrasaib Khattak also noted that the security situation in neighbouring Afghanistan is fragile, underscoring the need for Pakistan to adapt its policy to the region ever-evolving ground realities.
 
Senator Hasil Bizenjo cautioned the government over the activities of elements hostile to Pakistan as they attempt to disturb relations with Iran. “Iran has a great role in the region therefore Pakistan must maintain good ties with the country,” he said.