The Senate standing committee on foreign affairs has proposed a strict visa policy for countries that frequently deny entry permit to Pakistani lawmakers.
During Monday’s meeting, a sub-committee comprising three members, Senators Raja Zafarul Haq, Mushahid Hussain Saeed and MQM’s Tahir Hussian Mashhadi was constituted to give its recommendations in consultation with the foreign ministry over a proposed tit-for-tat visa policy.
Formed in the backdrop of recent visa rejections by certain countries, the panel is tasked to frame recommendations for future diplomatic line of action to deal with such incidents.
Last month, Awami Muslim League’s chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, was barred from taking a Canada-bound flight following instructions from US officials to airline and airport staff.
“This issue concerns the entire parliament and more than that, a country. We cannot bear such humiliation of lawmakers or their relatives”, said Senator Haji Adeel.
Similarly, Senator Mushhahid Hussain Saeed said that Pakistan should have also a reciprocal policy to deal with countries that treat us in such a humiliating way.
Besides, the parliamentary panel also expressed reservation over the government’s alleged shift in foreign policy on Syria, fearing that Pakistan could be the next battlefield if it adopts such a policy.
Despite stinging questions raised by Senator Farhatullah Babar over media reports suggesting Pakistan was sending ammunition to Syrian rebels through unofficial channels, foreign ministry officials, including Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East & Africa), Naela Chohan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, and additional secretary (UN & EC) — remained tightlipped.
“We know your compulsion, but we do expect that you will convey the concerns of parliament to the authorities about the Pakistan’s apparent shift in policy with regards to Syria”, said Babar
Defending government’s stance, Aslam said that government was neither sending troops to Syria nor supplying arms to rebels in the conflict-ridden country.
However, additional foreign secretary Naila Chohan admitted that 10,000 Pakistanis are serving in Bahrain defence services.
Brushing aside speculations over Bahraini monarch’s visit to JSHQ, Chohan said that it is not unusual for the king to visit the Joint Services Headquarters as he holds the portfolio of defence minister.
While responding to questions over a secret visit by US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief to Pakistan in February, the foreign office spokesperson said that it was part of routine visit which has very little significance.
Diplomacy is not about knee jerk reactions. You guys need to tread cautiously.