Pakistan should have bilateral relations with USA only on the basis of equality and mutual respect: Youth Parliament Pakistan

Islamabad, April 19; Youth Parliament Pakistan members supported the joint resolution of Parliament on reshaping Pakistan's relations with the United States and demanded that Pakistan's foreign policy for United States and all countries of the world should be based on national interest of Pakistan, equality, and mutual respect.

The fourth day of the second session of Youth Parliament Pakistan began with the special prayers for the recovery and health of Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi's father.

Youth Parliament Pakistan discussed Pakistan's relations with the United States in today's session. A resolution passed by the Youth Parliament, introduced by Mr. Tabraiz Marri (YP58-SINDH10; Green Party) said that every effort should be made to ensure increased cooperation between Pakistan and USA. Pakistan is an integral ally in the war against terrorism. Pak-US relations should be based on mutual respect; Pakistan is a sovereign country and it should make every effort to protect its land and the people.

Mr. Riaz Khokhar, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan addressed the Youth Parliament as a Guest Speaker, said that there is a crucial need to redefine and revisit foreign policy of Pakistan. Pakistan should have taken a strict action against United States after the Salala incident. The apology at this time is unreasonable and useless compared to the loss Pakistan has faced. Mr. Riaz Khokhar also stressed that it is wise to be on United States right side rather than on the wrong side. Pak-US relations at the moment depend upon the conditions in Afghanistan. Being an ally, Pakistan should be part of US-Afghan talks and its sovereignty should respect. On way forward, he said that it is in the best interest of Pakistan to work with United States. Pakistan should keep its 'national interest' first when it comes to foreign ties.

Youth Parliament Pakistan discussed a legislative motion which was moved regarding the requirement of introducing certain legal reforms for the present status of tribal areas. The members from FATA showed their deep concerns about the negative role played by the government in this regard. Mr. Aamir Abbas (YP08-FATA01; Blue Party) discussed that the people of FATA have long been deprived of their basic rights. The Youth Parliament members were of the view that the status of the tribal areas needs to be redefined keeping in view the demands and aspirations of the people of this region.

The second motion was moved to discuss the possibility of recognizing the provincial status of FATA. The members discussed that the people of the tribal areas are not enjoying the equal political, social and administrative rights. Mr. Jamal Naseer Jamaee (YP50-Sindh02; Green Party) said that the demarcation of provinces is not the solution of all the problems and we need to be focused on our other basic problems. He said that 'Good Governance' is needed in the country before any new provinces are made. He stressed that if new provinces are to be made then they should be made on fair grounds and no political motives should be involved. The motion was successfully passed in the Youth Parliament.
Later the house was adjourned till next day.
PR