Senators want foreign policy under civilian control

ISLAMABAD: Senate here on Friday started debate on motion to discuss the foreign policy of the government with particular reference to the situation likely to emerge after election in India and Afghanistan. The motion was moved by Mian Raza Rabbani. Taking part in the debate Senator Farhatullah Babar focussed on the new challenges to country’s foreign policy in wake of recent elections in India and Afghanistan. “We need to devise our foreign policy keeping in view the regional and the international changes and challenges,” Babar said. He also underlined that our foreign policy should be based on article 40 of the constitution. The Senator said the emerging scenario will be challenging for the foreign office and Pakistan will need clear policy as there is also need to enhance people to people contacts with other countries. Afrasiab Khattak welcomed the statement of the government to improve relations with Afghanistan and India. “We support this approach of the government,” he said adding that the foreign policy should be based on non interference and be shared with the parliament. “Our neighbors are important therefore the foreign policy should also focus on better relations with countries in the region,” He claimed that our foreign policy is confused and needs more clarity. “Relations with India should be further improved and foreign policy should be in civilian control,” he added. Senator Rehman Malik said that the foreign policy should be devised keeping in view the interest of the country. He also suggested the government to arrange in camera briefing over national security and foreign policy. Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo said it was positive development that peaceful election were held in Afghanistan. He asked the government to take steps to further improve relations with Iran and said foreign policy should be devised keeping in view the national interest. He said various countries are looking towards Pakistan and it is for the first time that Afghanistan has admitted that Pakistan has not interfered into its affairs.