Senate calls for pursuing sovereign foreign policy
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—Foreign policy of the country came under strong criticism in the upper house (Senate) of the Parliament during two days of debate as the Senators expressed dissatisfaction over the way the country was handling its international affairs and stressed to change it according to the ground realities that could protect national interests.
Winding up the debate, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan being an independent and sovereign country would take every step to maintain its sovereignty continue its relations with the international community particularly neighbors and the Muslim world. He said foreign policy always depends on internal stability and the government is committed to bring political and economic stability in the country. He said it is time to put our house in order and build a national consensus on various issues.
He said as the new government stands for promoting national reconciliation there is also need to forge national integrity on foreign policy. He said the new government believes in the sovereignty of the parliament and assured the House that it would take the parliament into confidence while formulating all policies including foreign.
Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that although Pakistan enjoys good cordial relations with international community but the government will further focus on expanding deepening ties with all powers. He said the government would also concentrate on further improving relations with neighbors. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said made it clear that foreign forces would ever be allowed to take action in Pakistan’s soil, adding that, government would enter talks only with those militants who are willing to lay down arms and renounce violence.
“Pakistan’s foreign policy would be framed according to the country’s national interests. US has been informed about reservation of Pakistani people and government over appointment of Gen. Hood in country. Pakistan would continue peace process with India but would not put Kashmir issue at backburner. Pakistan would fulfill international obligations but would not compromise on its national interests”, the minister said this while winding up his debate on Foreign policy in Senate on Friday.
Pakistan is independent and sovereign country and it would take every step to maintain its sovereignty. Our consulates in foreign countries can better perform if there is consensus among political parties over country’s foreign policy. Our foreign policy would be strong if we are strong internally. The government would improve Pakistan’s image abroad as well as strengthen ties with other Islamic countries, he added.
“Our policy will be to promote good relations with all the countries of the world, but in particular with the big powers as well as with our neighbours,” the foreign minister said. He reiterated that Pakistan wanted peace and stability in the region and that it would honour its international commitments. Qureshi said that the law and order situation and the maintenance of peace would attract investment and allow Pakistan’s economy to flourish. Our foreign policy speaks volume of strategic interest, which cannot be changed spontaneously, he said, adding that, Foreign office is carrying out study of reports released by Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and would try best to ensure its implementation.