Qamar urges world to strengthen Pakistan’s anti-terrorism capacity
OTTAWA: Pakistan has shown the will and commitment to fight against terrorism and militancy and the international community needs to strengthen the anti-terrorism capacity of our armed forces to ensure a better future for the world, Mr. Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Privatization has said.
The Minister was addressing the members of Standing Committee on Defence at the Parliament Hill, here today. He is heading a delegation of senior parliamentarians which include Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Member of the National Assembly, Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, Mr. Riaz Fatyana, Member of the National Assembly/Member, National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Member of the National Assembly/Member, National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Mr. Abdul Rashid Godil, Member of the National Assembly/Member, National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance.
Pakistan, he said has a very large military that can fight and defeat the insurgents very effectively. But the intelligence sharing mechanism should be improved and the army should be provided with effective surveillance and night vision devices as well as effective helicopter force.
Mr. Naveed Qamar said innocent civilians have been killed in the drone attacks which has created resentment in the areas. Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. Mr. Naveed Qamar said today more than ever before, the Pakistani nation stands firm in its resolve to combat the menace of terrorism and extremism. Our people are motivated, our armed forces galvanized and our resources mobilized to address this common menace.
Mr. Naveed Qamar said a humanitarian crisis has emerged in Pakistan as a result of the operation launched by our army in Swat. The world should come forward and support our government in its efforts for the rehabilitation of about one million internally displaced persons.
Answering a question Mr. Naveed Qamar said there is no possibility of nuclear assets of Pakistan falling in the hands of terrorists. The Government of Pakistan is fully cognizant of its responsibilities and we have a very well established control and command system.
Answering another question Mr. Naveed Qamar said the international community should impress upon Pakistan’s “traditional foe” to withdraw its troops from its border with Pakistan and resume the dialogue process with is imperative for peace and stability in the region. Pakistan he said has deployed 170,000 troops on the Pak-Afghan border. We have also offered the fencing of the border to Central unauthorised movement.
Mr. Maxime Bernier, Chairman Standing Committee on National Defence said Canada fully realizes Pakistan is going through difficult times and the country has made sacrifices in war against terrorism. They expressed strong support for Pakistan security and economic development.
From the Canadian side the meeting was attended by committee members including Claude Bachand, Bryon Wilfert, Steven Blaney, Ray Boughen, Denis Coderre, Cheryl Gallant, Jack Harris, Laurie Hawn, Anita Neville, Pascal-Pierre Paille and LaVar Payne. The delegation is visiting Canada to study its parliamentary system including legislative process, organizational structure, history and trends of Canada. NNI
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