As a sovereign state, Pakistan has the legitimate right to establish amicable relations with its neighbouring countries without any external pressure. No international law authorises the United Sates to threaten Pakistan of the consequences of implementation of gas pipeline project with Iran.
This was stated by Tariq Sayeed, former President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), responding to the remarks of the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here on Monday, adding that the US cannot intervene in the issues relating to the implementation of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project.
In his statement, he appreciated the bold decision of the Government of Pakistan about its commitment to implement Pak-Iran gas pipeline stating that the nation would stand with the government on the issue and the business community would leave no stone unturned in this respect.
Tariq Sayeed said that Pakistan has learnt to live with pride and prestige and its role as the frontline state against terrorism should be acknowledged and reciprocated by the US by strengthening its economy rather than imposing sanctions and further weakening the country that has been the most reliable ally of the US in its war on terror.
He regarded Clinton's statement about denying $1.0 billion economic assistance to Pakistan for the year 2013 as an additional pressure by the US, which would further undermine the economic status, and a serious attempt to damaging Pakistan as its economy was already quite shaky.
"Energy-deficient Pakistan is already facing several challenges of scarce industrial output due to power-cuts, unemployment, and poverty" which may fuel anti-USA sentiments amongst the masses in Pakistan" adding that USA needs to review its policy and economically strengthen Pakistan, if it desires friendship with Pakistan.
Pakistan has already sacrificed 35,000 lives of its civilians and soldiers and loss of billions of dollars in the war against terrorism which it cannot sustain any further. "If the US considers Pakistan its friend, it should help in times of need and should not let its relations with other countries negatively affect matters which concern Pakistan's well-being," he added.