NA adopts resolution rejecting ‘hostile and threatening’ statements made by Trump

The National Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution rejecting the “hostile and threatening” statements made by US President Donald J. Trump and Gen John W. Nicholson — the top US commander in Afghanistan. During the NA session, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif read out the resolution, which was earlier passed unanimously by the lower house.The resolution categorically rejected Gen Nicolson’s claims regarding the existence of the Taliban shura in Peshawar and Quetta.The NA also disapproved of the “unacceptable targeting of Pakistan” by Trump in his speech while he announced Washington’s new South Asia policy. The resolution further rejected Trump’s claim that billions of dollars in aid have been spent on Pakistan, stating that Pakistan’s economy has suffered a loss of more than $123 billion. The resolution also denounced the “disregard of the immense sacrifices” made by Pakistan in the war on terror.The lower house condemned Washington’s call for increased Indian involvement in Afghanistan due to “[India’s] known support to terrorists and destabilising policies in the region”.The lower house saw the call for an Indian role in Afghanistan’s development as “detrimental to regional stability,” adding that it was premised on a “failure to understand existing ground realities and challenges in the region .” Reiterating Pakistan’ s support for India-held Kashmir’s (IHK) struggle for self-determination, the lower house condemned the “oppression” of the people of IHK by the Indian state. Recognising the sacrifices of the armed forces of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, the house expressed full support for the counter-terrorism operations of the armed forces, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies.“As a responsible nuclear weapons state, Pakistan has in place a robust and credible command and control system which has been universally recognised,” the resolution asserted. Calling Trump’s statement “hostile and threatening”, the National Assembly has also urged the Government of Pakistan to ‘consider’ the following steps: The postponement of diplomatic visits between Washington and Islamabad Suspension of cooperation with the US, specifically the provision of ground and air lines of communication through Pakistan Draw and inform the US of a blueprint for the dignified return of all Afghan refugees Formulate economic policies to deal with any situation arising out of the absence of US assistance Commence a diplomatic initiative, particularly in friendly countries in the region, to inform them of Pakistan’s counter terrorism strategy and successes and the repercussions in the region of failed US policies while reiterating Pakistan’s determination to strengthen control on borders with Afghanistan and demand cooperation and similar action from Afghanistan and ISAF The National Assembly has also expressed concerns about increasing concentration of ISIS and other terrorist networks in Afghan provinces bordering Pakistan and demand that Afghanistan, US and its allies close borders for leaders of terrorist groups carrying out acts of terrorism against Pakistan. Addressing, the US and Afghanistan, it says Pakistan seeks the elimination of all safe havens being provided to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Jamaatul Ahrar and other terrorist organisations in Afghanistan from where terror attacks are carried out against Pakistan. The lower house has also called for the US, Nato and Afghan govt to ensure that India is denied use of Afghan territory to attack Pakistan. The resolution concludes with a reiteration of a commitment to constructively engage with the US on the full spectrum of bilateral relations based on the principle of reciprocity and mutual respect. It also reiterates Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan and urges the government to continue its efforts to strengthen its relations with the Afghan government and support efforts for peace.