ISLAMABAD – Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani on Sunday took aim at the United States for putting pressure on Pakistan saying that Pakistan was not “in habit of taking notices from anyone”.
He stated while addressing an inauguration session of six-nation speakers conference in Islamabad. The Senate chairman said that Pakistan is a sovereign state, adding that the country will not compromise on its sovereignty.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/six-nations-speakers-conference-kicks-off-in-islamabad/
The conference ─ themed “The challenges of terrorism and inter-regional connectivity” ─ is being attended by Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russian Federation and Turkey.
It is to mention here that US Vice President Mike Pence during his recent visit to Afghanistan warned Pakistan that “President Trump has put Pakistan on notice”.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pakistan-has-much-to-lose-by-allegedly-sheltering-militants-us-warns-pakistan/
He said, “Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with the United States, and Pakistan has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists.”
Rabbani went on to say that the US has ignored sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in war on terror, adding that the US wanted to put the burden of his failure in Afghanistan on Pakistan.
Jerusalem Status
Speaking about Trump’s recent decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He termed the decision “blunder of all blunders,” adding that the US faced befitting response on its move at the US when over 120 countries voted against its decision.
CPEC to Open New Economic ERA
Raza Rabbai said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will usher a new economic era in the region. He stressed the need for carrying on the One Belt One Road project. He added that Pakistan geographically in a position to take benefit from CPEC and OBOR.
US, India and Israel Nexus
Talking about the US’s recent security strategy, he said that the US was trying to make India “policeman” of the region. He added that it was an effort to develop a nexus comprising US, Israel and India.
Rabbani said that Pakistan “believes in dialogue and friendly relations with its neighbours… until and unless India is willing to speak on equal terms, we will perhaps just be looking at the mirage of peace in the region.”
