Foreign Affairs ministry to pay special attention to develop and further strengthen bilateral ties with countries in the South Asia ,,Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs,

CONTOURS OF GREATER SOUTH ASIA ARE DRIVEN BY ENERGY AND ECONOMY-SENATE BODY

Islamabad, 20th June, 2012

The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan directed the ministry of Foreign Affairs to pay special attention to develop and further strengthen bilateral ties with countries in the South Asia, Central Asia and Gulf region at bilateral as well as regional block levels besides focusing on west.  The Committee was presided over by its Chairman Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel at the Parliament House today.

During the two days’ deliberations, the Committee thoroughly discussed Pakistan’s relations with Central Asian States besides SAARC and OIC countries and also the US-NATO issue. Members of the committee were of the view that the fast changing situation at regional and global level requires us to formulate policies that may protect and promote our national interests. They expressed satisfaction over the fact that the foreign policy is now reflecting the aspirations of the people of Pakistan and solid steps have been taken to protect the national interests keeping in view the changing regional realities.

They proposed that the contours of greater South Asia are driven by energy and economy, adding that the government should focus on enhancing trade and business ties with regional players besides cooperation in the energy sector to bridge the demand and supply gap. South and central Asian region is most important for us, the members observed. The Committee stressed upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to focus attention on the region and further consolidate the ties to have a say in the regional affairs.

Members observed that the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate would play an effective role to promote peace and stability in the region and would formulate recommendations in this regard. Senators also stressed upon the ministry to take steps for making the Pakistani missions abroad proactive in promoting soft image of the country and resolve issues of the Pakistani community living abroad.

Earlier in its meeting, the Committee reviewed in detailed the losses inflected by the free of charge NATO supplies. It was observed that the road infrastructure from Karachi to Peshawar and Chamman has been seriously damaged which require billions of dollars for rehabilitation. Haji Adeel said that Pakistan places its bilateral relationship with US in high esteem but Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty and stability. The United States should respect the parliamentary resolutions, apologize for the Salala attack besides taking concretes steps for putting the bilateral relationship on the right track.

Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jalil Abbas Jilani briefed the committee about current developments for ensuring peace and stability in the region and the role played by Pakistan at different international forums. He apprised the members of the initiatives taken by the government during last couple of years for further improving regional and international cooperation. He said that dividends of the new initiatives have started coming out which would help Pakistan to play a meaningful role.

Senators    Aitzaz Ahsan, Sehar Kamran, Muhammad Jehangir Badar, Syeda Sughra Imam and Mushahid Hussain Sayed attended the meeting. Senior Officials of the Ministry and Special Secretary Senate Mr. Amjed Pervez were also present.
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