By NNN-APP,
London : Pakistan warned the concluding 55th annual session of NATO Parliamentary Assembly against any hasty and untimely withdrawal from Afghanistan saying that such move could be disastrous for the region.
The head of the Pakistani delegation Senator Syed Nayyer Husain Bokhari addressing the participants in Edinburgh dispelled the Western misperceptions about Pakistan’s commitment towards ongoing war on terrorism.
He drew the world attention towards Kashmir issue as a perpetual source of regional insecurity and instability and urged them to persuade India to commence stalled negotiations on the resolution of this long standing issue.
Keeping in view, Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns, the Committee adopted two major amendments in the draft resolutions which were related to insertion of a paragraph urging India and Pakistan to open a dialogue on Kashmir and deletion of a negative reference expressing ambiguity over Pakistan Æs stance towards extremists.
Instead, the Committee appreciating Pakistan pivotal role decided to acknowledge country’s increasing efforts to eliminate terrorism.
The conference which concluded on Tuesday evening adopted two resolutions titled ‘Engaging Pakistan and NATO’s enduring commitment to Afghanistan based on reports discussed earlier.
Senator Bokhari held meetings with NATO PA President John Tanner and Air Marshal Christopher Harper, Deputy Commander, NATOÆs Allied Joint Force Command.
The Senator in his interactions underscored the need for NATOÆs long term commitment in Afghanistan and cautioned that any premature withdrawal of Allied support would risk re emergence of terrorist networks.
He stressed that the international community must fulfil its material and non material pledges and commitments made in relation to Pakistan and Afghanistan and also sought their support in strengthening of democratic process and improvement of governance and institution building.
Responding to President TannerÆs question about Madrasas, he highlighted the need for a viable and practical alternative instead of simple closure which would be counterproductive.
NATO Secretary General Andres Fogh Rasmussen, in his key note speech, spoke about necessity of NATOÆs long term commitment in the region and urged member nations not to think of otherwise.
He stated that, ôif we walk away (from Afghanistan ) than pressure on nuclear Pakistan would be immense.
The British Foreign Secretary David Miliband urged the international communityÆs support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. He lauded the courageous role of the Pakistani government and its armed forces to take the militants head on.
He pleaded the world community to be sensitive to the need of common Pakistani regarding employment, health care and education and sought moral and material support to Pakistani government in meeting the challenge of rehabilitating the displaced people of Swat, Malakand and FATA.
Similarly, Lord Robertson, President, Royal Institute of International Affairs categorically stated that this political generation will not be forgiven if it contemplates withdrawal from Afghanistan prematurely, letting the nuclear armed Pakistan to deal alone with the surmounting Taliban pressure.
The conference ended on a positive note with NATO legislators unanimously pledging to persuade their respective governments to pursue a collaborative and cooperative approach to support Pakistans efforts to address its socio economic and developmental challenges.
According to them, this would enable Pakistan Government to fight the menace of terrorism and Al Qaeda networks in a joint strategy supported by NATO and international community.
The Assembly discussed host of issues including global financial crisis, food and energy security, non proliferation & weapons of mass destruction, NATOÆs new strategic concept and its open door policy, security situation in Afghanistan and engagement with Pakistan.
Two reports directly related to Pakistan namely, “Afghanistan : A Turning Point” by Frank Cook of UK and “Pakistan : A Test for Transatlantic Cooperation” by Mike Ross of United States also came under discussion.
Pakistan attend the session as observer. Besides, Senator Bokhari, the other members of the delegation comprised Senators Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Abdul Hasib Khan and Muhammad Zahid Khan.