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Pakistan capable to defend its frontiers: defence minister
Asif calls india’s blunder if it tries to take benefit from Pakistan's internal situation
APP
ISLAMABAD – Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif on Thursday reiterated firm resolve of the government to fully safeguard frontiers of Pakistan against any kind of external aggression.
Speaking in National Assembly in response to speech of Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Shah and an ongoing motion under discussion in the House, he said our desire for peace should not take as our weakness. “We have the capability and capacity to thwart any aggression against our motherland,” he said.
He said that both Pakistan and India were nuclear nations and owes a responsibility to their people and the regional peace. “But, if situation deteriorates due to any external aggression, we shall give a telling response.” He said earlier or later the Indian prime minister would realise that resolution to outstanding issues between the two countries lies in meaningful dialogue.
“If India thinks that it can benefit from Pakistan's internal situation and our engagement in war against terrorism, they are mistaken”, he said. The minister said that Pakistani nation and the armed forces were fully alive and capable to deal with the situation but we want peace in region and desire resolution of issues through dialogue.
To other points raised by the opposition leader, he said that call of Pakistan Awami Tehrik Dr Tahirul Qadri to end sit-in from the Constitutional Avenue was appreciable. “I request Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) to follow the suit and come to the parliament for better resolution of national issues. Better sense finally prevailed and Dr Qadri announced to end sit-in, the same should be done by PTI,” Asid said.
He said acknowledging that protest was their right but it should not affect national interest. “Let us not compromise national interest for party interests,” he added. He said that sit-ins cost economy a lot and it would take years to overcome these losses.
“Protest is their right but I would advise that protestors must keep the national interest supreme.” The minister appreciated the role of political parties and the parliament too prudently and with unity to cope with the volatile situation arising out of protests and sit-ins.
“Therefore, PTI should also come to the parliament to play its vital role because it was the parliament from where the PML-N and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) struggled against dictatorship of Pervez Musharraf. The PTI must also use this forum for reformation instead of protests”, he added.
The minister said that the government would always welcome issues based politics and we desire to the PTI to do the same to strengthen democracy and institutions. “Persons are dispensable but institutions are indispensable, therefore let us work for strengthening institutions.”
The minister said the government has no objection to discuss the issue of migration of Hazara community from Balochistan. Answering another point regarding expenditures on Nandipur Power project, he said private sector auditor have been appointed for audit of the project and if the House desires the government will present that report to the House.
The minister thanked all political parties to stand united during political turmoil in Pakistan and appreciated the historic role of the parliament it had played for strengthening democracy and institutions. He said that the process of self-accountability must continue within the governments for betterment in the system.
“Though gaining perfection is a gigantic task but process of evolution must continue.” He said that the government was not in a state of denial to issues confronting Pakistan and would continue to work for strengthening the system.
“What we need to ensure is that none of our non-political approach should harm democracy. As far as the government is concerned, it is manifesting the same level of responsibility that is required by the prevailing situation.”
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk