Islamabad, April 19; Youth
Parliament Pakistan members supported the joint resolution
of Parliament on reshaping Pakistan’s relations with the
United States and demanded that Pakistan’s foreign policy
for United States and all countries of the world should be
based on national interest of Pakistan, equality, and
mutual respect.
The fourth day of the second session
of Youth Parliament Pakistan began with the special
prayers for the recovery and health of Mr. Faisal Karim
Kundi’s father.
Youth Parliament Pakistan discussed
Pakistan’s relations with the United States in today’s
session. A resolution passed by the Youth Parliament,
introduced by Mr.
Tabraiz Marri (YP58-SINDH10; Green Party) said
that every effort should be made to ensure increased
cooperation between Pakistan and USA. Pakistan is an
integral ally in the war against terrorism. Pak-US
relations should be based on mutual respect; Pakistan is a
sovereign country and it should make every effort to
protect its land and the people.
Mr. Riaz Khokhar, former Foreign Secretary of
Pakistan addressed the Youth Parliament as a Guest
Speaker, said that there is a crucial need to redefine and
revisit foreign policy of Pakistan. Pakistan should have
taken a strict action against United States after the
Salala incident. The apology at this time is unreasonable
and useless compared to the loss Pakistan has faced. Mr.
Riaz Khokhar also stressed that it is wise to be on United
States right side rather than on the wrong side. Pak-US
relations at the moment depend upon the conditions in
Afghanistan. Being an ally, Pakistan should be part of
US-Afghan talks and its sovereignty should respect. On way
forward, he said that it is in the best interest of
Pakistan to work with United States. Pakistan should keep
its ‘national interest’ first when it comes to foreign
ties.
Youth Parliament Pakistan discussed
a legislative motion which was moved regarding the
requirement of introducing certain legal reforms for the
present status of tribal areas. The members from FATA
showed their deep concerns about the negative role played
by the government in this regard.
Mr. Aamir Abbas
(YP08-FATA01; Blue Party) discussed that the people of
FATA have long been deprived of their basic rights. The
Youth Parliament members were of the view that the status
of the tribal areas needs to be redefined keeping in view
the demands and aspirations of the people of this region.
The second motion was moved to
discuss the possibility of recognizing the provincial
status of FATA. The members discussed that the people of
the tribal areas are not enjoying the equal political,
social and administrative rights.
Mr. Jamal Naseer Jamaee
(YP50-Sindh02; Green Party) said that the
demarcation of provinces is not the solution of all the
problems and we need to be focused on our other basic
problems. He said that ‘Good Governance’ is needed in the
country before any new provinces are made. He stressed
that if new provinces are to be made then they should be
made on fair grounds and no political motives should be
involved. The motion was successfully passed in the Youth
Parliament.
Later the house was adjourned till
next day. |