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Monday, December 23, 2024  
20 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1446  

PML-N expresses concerns over granting India MFN status

Opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA) Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Thursday expressed serious concerns over government decision to grant Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India. He also claimed that opposition and other stakeholders were not taken on board before taking the decision in this regard.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab House here, Nisar said India always remained firmed on its policy towards Pakistan and always tried to hurt Pakistan’s interests, than why our government was showing such a relaxation, he asked while terming the decision as childish.

He said granting India MNF status would have not only economical impacts on Pakistani economy but also would have geo-political impacts in the region.

However, PML-N leader clarified that his party was not in favour of war with its neighboring country India. But he added, any decision should be taken keeping in view the national interests.

"PML-N doesn't favour war with India but granting India MFN status should be have been brought to parliament for discussion", he maintained.

Nisar also raised his concerns over the report regarding President Zardari letter to US administration sent via outgoing US army chief Admiral Mike Mullan exactly one week after Abbotabad raid that killed Al-qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.

A British daily reported "A week after the covert US raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden, President Asif Ali Zardari sought to reach out to the Obama administration to stop army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani from staging a coup, a Pakistan-American businessman has said. The memo was sent through Mike Mullan, report further alleged.

Nisar said he raised this issue during the National Assembly session but Prime Minister didn't bother to speak whether Zaradri wrote a letter to US government or not. Opposition leader asked the President to clarify his position on the report.

PML-N leader also alleged Law Ministry for pressuring officials of Election Commission and demanded the government to let the commission function independently. "PML-N want next elections free and fair, and Election Commission must be freed from any political or government official" he added.

He accused former Law Minister for creating hurdles in way of EC functioning and for accommodating his relatives on various posts in the commission.

Commenting on new NAB chief appointment, Nisar said the appointment was unconstitutional because government didn't consult the opposition. He termed President Asif Zardari as biggest hurdle to appoint impartial person who could be appointed head of accountability bureau.

Replying to a question, Ch Nisar said he would inform visiting US State Secretary Hillary Clinton about the decisions taken during All Parties Conference (APC). He also said time has come when United States should do something instead dictating Pakistan.