Against Trump's statement: Kasuri hails unanimity between civil-military leaderships

Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri has welcomed the unanimity of thought between the civil and military leadership against the US policy towards Pakistan. "It is a matter of great satisfaction that the civil and military leaderships is on the same page in responding to the tweet of US President." Kasuri was addressing a seminar organised here in connection with the statement of US President Donald Trump.
Kasuri said there is no need to get embarrassed by a threatening tweet. Trump is isolating the US by issuing such tweets. The national narrative in reaction to the tweet is very encouraging, as national interest leads any foreign policy which is devised in line with the ground realities.
He said Trump has used similar language against the UK, Germany, China and Iran. He is damaging the US by issuing such statements and his country is getting isolated throughout the world. He said Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran and the Middle Eastern states are on the same page. He said Henry Kissinger had once said that friendship of the US is more dangerous than enmity.
He said a successful foreign policy is all about creating new options instead of meeting personal ambitions of someone. He also stressed a successful internal policy to formulate a successful external policy. An independent foreign policy demands sacrifice as mere words can't serve the purpose. The national interest should always be prioritized in foreign policy in line with the ground realities.
He said an independent foreign policy depends on an independent economy and China merits this standard in today's world. Resolutions passed in the UN carry no weight, as five big powers veto them as and when desired. He recalled that once the UN was not ready to add Kashmir issue to its agenda but he resisted this move and got it included in the agenda. He further recalled that a similar criticism was common during the Musharraf regime that Pakistan doesn't honour commitments. We contested this viewpoint and replied to this criticism effectively, he added.
He also stressed the need for continuity of policies in order to ensure effective foreign policy. It will also end up on good governance in the country. He proposed the government to prepare a list of steps taken and sacrifices rendered by Pakistan and present it to the US and other European countries. He said China and other countries in the region are standing by Pakistan.
Defence analyst Lieutenant General Ghulam Mustafa (Retd) said internal disunity was the actual problem of Pakistan that was weakening it on the external front. He criticised the political leadership for not feeling the severity of situation and formulated an effective policy. Vice Chairman NPT Professor Dr Rafique Ahmed stressed on national unity to face the adverse situation on external front. Among others who spoke on the occasion included Salman Ghani, Rauf Tahir, Muhammad Akram Chaudhry and others.