Chairman Senate Farooq H Naek on Friday said that Pakistan wanted to build a long-term relationship with the United States based on mutual respect and shared goals looking beyond narrow paradigms of security and war on terror. He was talking to a US Congressional delegation headed by Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership Commission David Price, which called on him at the Parliament House on Friday and discussed the issues pertaining to Pak-US relations.
Chairman Senate underscored the importance of longstanding strategic relations between the two countries, which must be based on common goals and objectives, said a press release issued here. "Pakistan is a vibrant democracy and a responsible state committed to maintaining peace regionally and globally", he observed.
He also lauded the American policy of support for democracy in Pakistan adding that it would help build and strengthen democratic institutions in the country. "Today we have a functioning Parliament, powerful Opposition, independent media and judiciary all ingredients necessary for a working democracy," he added. He also emphasised the need of promoting collaboration in health and education sectors by providing more scholarships to Pakistani deserving students in US institutions.
He also remarked about the concerns of the parliamentarians about the certain clauses of Kerry-Lugar Bill and drone attacks. The Chairman Senate emphatically declared that Pakistan is opposed to terrorism in all forms and manifestations by any state, group or individual and reminded the delegation that Pakistan was the worst victim of terrorism and even had lost her great leader Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
He underlined the need of quick realisation of ROZs legislation, which can transform the economic scene in the war ravaged areas. The Chairman added that drone attacks are creating negative perceptions about US and the US may consider providing drone technology to Pakistan so that these can be used most effectively where needed without the backlash presently witnessed.
He called for closer parliamentary relationship especially more frequent exchange of parliamentary delegations to help study and understand each other system. Naek said that Pakistan wanted to resume dialogue process with India to resolve all outstanding issues and world community must urge India to help resume dialogue.
Speaking on the occasion, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Senator Wasim Sajjad observed that Pakistan is currently passing through acute energy crisis and the US should help its long term ally overcome these difficulties. He hoped that Pak-US relationship would be long lasting and mutually beneficial instead of having security oriented limited objectives.
"Pakistan is much more energy deficient as compared to India therefore the US should consider entering nuclear co-operation agreement on the same pattern," he added. Deputy Chairman of Senate, Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali said war on terror is proving a costly affair for Pakistan and US should not only enhance its anti-terror capacity but also undertake measures for social and human development in the affected areas especially in Balochistan and NWFP.
Minister for Science and Technology Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati suggested replacement of Nato troops in Afghanistan with forces from Muslim countries like Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh etc. Minister for Investment, Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan is paying a terrible price of the war on terror and the US should build this country economically.
"There should be greater market access for Pakistani goods and services in the US. There should be greater trade and fewer visa and other restrictions to have the desired results," he added. Senator Sughra Imam said that institutional linkages especially between the two parliaments must be established to strengthen Pak-US relationship, which must go beyond narrow paradigms of security.
The leader of the US Congressional delegation commended Pakistan's pivotal role in the global war on terror and lauded the sacrifices made by the country. He said that his country wants to build a long lasting friendship looking beyond narrow concerns of security. He said that US desired economic, social and educational development in Pakistan to overcome the legacy of militancy and terrorism.
Broad-based education and economic development are likely to have a very good impact. He said that US government and the people understand Pakistan's sensitivities and "we have no intention to micro manage things in Pakistan. We are alive to yours sensibilities and sensitivities as pace in Pakistan and Afghanistan are linked to peace in the region and the world." The US Congressional delegation included David Dreier, Lois Capps, Keith Blison, Charles Bountany and Mazie Hirono.
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