Govt decides to end NATO blockade

WASIM IQBAL

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday agreed, in principle, to open supply for NATO/Isaf forces in Afghanistan on condition that only non-lethal cargo would be allowed transit through Pakistan.

The decision was taken by the Defence Committee of the Cabinet, which met here under chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Raza Gilani. It was attended by Ministers for Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and three Services Chiefs as well as Director General ISI.

In a statement, it was made clear that keeping in view the Parliamentary Committee recommendations, the DCC authorised officers of relevant ministries and departments to conclude ongoing negotiations on the new terms and conditions for resumption of Ground Line of Communications (GLOCs).

"The new terms and conditions should incorporate a clause, as recommended by Parliament, to the effect that only non-lethal cargo would be allowed to transit through Pakistan to Afghanistan," it further said.

The government also called a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to brief the allied parties before reaching a final decision on an end to Nato supply blockade. Meanwhile, a meeting of Corps Commanders has also been called for Wednesday (today).

At these meetings, civilian and military leadership will decide on how to go ahead with resumption of normal relations with Washington, including the re-opening of Nato supply routes.

The DCC reviewed Pakistan's cooperation in the context of international community's security and stabilization efforts in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister directed the military authorities to negotiate fresh border ground rules of Nato/Isaf to ensure that Salala-type incidents do not reoccur.

The participants of the meeting also welcomed the unconditional invitation by the Nato Secretary General to the President of Pakistan to attend Nato summit in Chicago. The DCC fully endorsed the visit of the President for the Summit.

The Committee further decided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to remain engaged with the US government on other Parliamentary recommendations, including the question of apology and cessation of drone attacks.

The Committee also discussed the Parliament's call for expulsion of foreign militants, if found, on the Pakistani side.