Fazal opposes NATO, US Forces role in relief work

ISLAMABAD—Religious and some political parties have strongly opposed participation of American and NATO forces in the relief activities in Pakistan’s earthquake-hit areas.
American and NATO forces should not be allowed to enter Pakistan under the pretext of relief activities, Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, Secretary General of the alliance of six Islamic groups, Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) said. Western countries plan to send their troops to Pakistan under the excuse of al-Qaeda, the MMA leader told a news conference.
NATO announced this week to send up-to one thousand troops and a small number of helicopters to Pakistan to take part in the relief activities in the quake-affected areas.
The US Ambassador Ryan C Crooker said yesterday that his government cannot give time frame for the return of U.S forces from Pakistan.
The entire Pakistani nation is concerned over U.S and NATO plan to send troops. Pakistan has enough soldiers to deal with the situation, Maulana Fazal said.
The government should send these forces back, he insisted.
He urged the government to accept only foreigner experts and there should be no political motives behind relief activities.
Maulana Fazal lashed out at Western nations for their opposition to Islamic groups, saying that religious groups played active role in the earthquake-hit areas.
The MMA leader also criticized the government for what he called not consulting the opposition parties and the parliament about the relief operations.
The government is harming national solidarity while adopting step-mother behavior with the opposition parties, he said.
He said the government has also not informed the parliament about the foreign aid.
Meanwhile Chairman Tehrik Insaf (Justice Party) Imran Khan said there is no need of deploying NATO troops in Azad Kashmir rather they should only provide helicopters and resources.—INP