ISLAMABAD: Senators on Monday called for more parliamentary sway over framing of foreign as well as security policies of Pakistan.
Speaking on a motion regarding political and security situation in the country with particular reference to Balochistan, FATA and Rawalpindi incident, the senators deliberated on the prevailing situation as well as future scenario in the wake of withdrawal of allied forces from Afghanistan.
Opening discussion on the issue in the upper house of parliament, Senator Farhatullah Babar mentioned Taliban-backed terrorist attacks taking place after a decision by political parties to hold dialogue with militants.
This trend had reflected the mindset of Pakistani Taliban whose leaders had also refused to hold dialogue, he observed.
Babar said that there was no space for further deterioration in security situation as he foresaw more complex situation in the post-withdrawal era as well as upcoming polls in Afghanistan.
“If Taliban win the upcoming elections, we shall have to accept their government,” he said. “But, their win will encourage Pakistani Taliban as militants have roots in both the countries. We need to keep this scenario in mind.”
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senator said that there was a cross-border militancy prevailing in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Presence of Mullah Fazullah in Afghanistan after assuming the charge of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as its new chief certifies this notion, he added.
“We shall have to address the issue of cross-border militancy. This issue does not relate to any political government, but we have no escape from it,” he said.
Senator Babar proposed that security establishment in the two countries should evolve a strategy while a civil political and parliamentary oversight was direly needed to develop a mechanism to counter terrorism.
Speaking on the motion, Senator Abdul Rauf called for the lead role of the parliament in framing foreign policy as well as security policy.
“A lot of time is wasted and now we need to think seriously to fulfill our commitments to masses and the country.”
Rauf said that people had nothing to do with figure game but needed on-ground measures.
Therefore, all representatives should show seriousness and ensure presence in the house to contribute towards resolution of masses problems, he added.