Summary Adviser to PM says that Pakistan will not accept supremacy or hegemony of any other country.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said the government is pursuing a clear‚ balanced and sovereign foreign policy.
Winding up debate on a motion regarding the government’s foreign policy in the National Assembly on Tuesday‚ Aziz said foreign and defence policies will also be made part of internal security policy.
He said the government is committed not to interfere in matters of other countries. Similarly‚ he said‚ Pakistan will not accept supremacy or hegemony of any other country.
Sartaj Aziz said the second component of the policy is economic development. A shift has been made from aid to trade with other countries.
Sartaj Aziz said the third objective of the foreign policy focuses on exploiting full potential of the country’s geographic position. This will help enhance trade and economic relations with regional and other countries and strengthening of national economy.
The adviser said improvement of internal situation is the foremost policy of the government.
Regarding concerns over concessions to India in trade‚ Sartaj Aziz made it clear that country’s interest will be protected at all costs in any trade agreement with the neighbouring country.
About Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline‚ he made it clear that the project is still on the priority list of the government. He rejected the impression that Pakistan has backtracked from the project under the US pressure. He said the project will be pursued further after the relaxation of US sanctions on Iran.
Discussing relations with the United States‚ Sartaj Aziz said strategic dialogue process has started with that country. He said it has been made clear to the United States that it will have to give priority to the security concerns of Pakistan.
On dealing with terrorism issue‚ he said a regional approach is needed to cope with the menace. This is a complex issue which cannot be handled in isolation.
Earlier‚ the members said Pakistan has an important role for stability in the region.
They said dialogue should be started immediately with India to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir and Sir Creek.
They said Pakistan has very good relations with many countries of the world and these should be translated into economic gains.
