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PR. No.266/2008
Date: 04/09/2008
STATEMENT BY THE FOREIGN MINISTER IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON 4TH SEPTEMBER 2008
I fully share the anguish of the members of this august House over the ISAF/Coalition attack in village Zulahi near Angoor Adda on the morning of 3 September 2008 . So many innocent lives have been lost in this wanton act.
I wish to inform the House that the Foreign Ministry has already issued a statement strongly condemning this attack.
The U.S. Ambassador was called to the Foreign Office and a strong protest was lodged.
Our Ambassador in Washington has been instructed to make a strong demarche to the U.S. authorities.
This attack constitutes a serious escalation in the series of actions by the ISAF/Coalition forces on Pakistani territory.
We have made it absolutely clear to the United States , which is presently commanding the ISAF, that violation of Pakistani territory is not acceptable.
The problems of ISAF/Coalition due to the intensification of the insurgency against foreign forces and the Kabul government owes their origin and dynamic strength to various factors inside Afghanistan .
It is counter-productive to externalize the problems of Afghanistan by pointing an accusing finger towards Pakistan . In fact, the situation in FATA is a sequel to the history of unfortunate developments in Afghanistan .
The Government and people of Pakistan have never abetted acts of senseless violence and terrorism, which in the first place constitutes a violation of the cardinal precepts of Islam which enjoins peace.
While actively pursuing our composite strategy to eliminate terrorism, no one should underestimate the resolve of our proud people and armed forces to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan .
As was mentioned in our statement, such cowardly acts against innocent civilians not only constitute a violation of the international humanitarian norms and the principles of the United Nations Charter but also fuel the fire of violence and hatred.
Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty and is fully resolved to defend its territorial integrity.
Our brothers and sisters in the Tribal Areas are equal citizens of the country. It is unfortunate that they continue to face the brunt of terrorist violence of groups and individuals thus disrupting their normal lives but also the attacks by the ISAF/Coalition forces which cause immense grief and suffering.
The government and this Parliament must demand that the international community as a whole take due cognizance of the continued violation of international norms and adopt an objective and responsible approach in dealing with the issue of terrorism.
Islamabad
04 September 2008 |