The joint session of the parliament Wednesday passed a 14-point draft resolution on 'National Security Policy' prepared by the 16-member parliamentary committee and agreed to review the security policies of the previous regime.
The resolution said that national security and country's borders would be protected at any cost while external aggression would be retaliated. It further agreed that the militants would be chased in NWFP, FATA and other tribal areas. The draft of resolution was prepared after eight-hour long deliberation by the representatives of all the political parties at an in-camera session held in the Parliament House, where the committee members forwarded their proposals on behalf of their respective parties.
According to the resolution, the in-camera joint session of Parliament has noted with great concern that extremism, militancy and terrorism in all forms and manifestations pose grave danger to the stability and integrity of the nation-state. It was recalled that in the past, the dictatorial regimes pursued policies aimed at perpetuating their own power at the cost of national interest, the resolution added. The content of the resolution is:
This House, having considered the issue thoroughly and at great length is of the view that in terms of framing laws, building institutions, protecting our citizens from violence, eradication of terrorism at its roots, re-building our economy and developing opportunities for the disadvantaged, commit to the following:
That we need an urgent review of our national security strategy and revisiting the methodology of combating terrorism in order to restore peace and stability to Pakistan and the region through an independent foreign policy. The challenge of militancy and extremism must be met through developing a consensus and dialogue with all genuine stakeholders. The nation stands united to combat this growing menace, with a strong public message condemning all forms and manifestations of terrorism, including the spread of sectarian hatred and violence, with a firm resolve to combat it and to address its root causes.
That Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity shall be safeguarded. The nation stands united against any incursions into and invasions of the homeland, and calls upon the government to deal with it effectively. That Pakistan's territory shall not be used for any kind of attacks on other countries and all foreign fighters, if found, should be expelled from our soil.
That dialogue must now be the highest priority, as a principal instrument of conflict management and resolution. Dialogue will be encouraged with all those elements willing to abide by the Constitution of Pakistan and rule of law.
That the development of troubled zones, particularly the tribal areas and NWFP must also be pursued through all possible ways and legitimate means to create genuine stakeholders in peace. New economic opportunities shall be created to bring the less privileged areas at par with the rest of Pakistan. A political dialogue process with the people of Balochistan for redressal of their grievances and redistribution of resources shall be enhanced and accelerated.
That the state shall maintain the rule of law, and that when it has to intervene to protect the lives of its citizens, caution must be exercised to avoid casualties of non-combatants in conflict zones. That the federation must be strengthened through the process of democratic pluralism, social justice, religious values and tolerance, and equitable resource sharing between the provinces as enshrined in the Constitution of 1973.
That the state shall establish its writ in the troubled zones, and confidence building mechanisms by using customary and local communities (jirga) and that the military will be replaced as early as possible by civilian law enforcement agencies with enhanced capacity and a sustainable political system achieved through a consultative process.
That Pakistan's strategic interests be protected by developing stakes in regional peace and trade, both on the western and eastern borders. That mechanisms for internal security be institutionalised by: paying compensation for victims of violence; and rehabilitate those displaced from their homes as soon as possible; that spill-over effects of terrorism be contained throughout the country and that public consensus be built against terrorism through media and religious participation. That a Special Committee of Parliament be constituted to periodically review, provide guidelines and monitor the implementation of the principles framed and roadmap given in this Resolution.
This House authorises the Speaker to constitute the said Committee in consultation with the parliamentary leaders of both Houses. The Committee will frame its own rules upon meeting. The joint session of the parliament was prorogued by NA Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza for an indefinite time.
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