CPNE urges full implementation of NAP

The Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) has resolved to defend the supremacy of the Constitution and democracy and has called for developing consensus among all the political parties and institutions.

In a joint resolution passed in the ‘National Security Conference’, the CPNE demanded the full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) and appreciated sacrifices of all the people, armed forces and the tribal people in the war against terrorism.

It also demanded indiscriminate action against non-state actors, proxies and the outlawed organizations, which were a threat to national security. The resolution reiterated commitment to democratic rights and respect for peaceful protest.

However, it rejected all efforts to destabilize the democratic and constitutional structure. The resolution also asked for a transparent monitoring system, accountability without discrimination and implementation of the law of access to information.

Addressing the conference, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said hijacking of the system through power would not be allowed. He said implementation of one’s agenda by use of power was fascism. “If Imran Khan succeeds in imposing his agenda by gathering a few thousand people on Nov 2, then no government would continue beyond six months in future,” he said, adding that the PTI should wait for the decision of the Supreme Court, which was set to hear petitions on the Panama Papers on Nov 1.

Speaking on the occasion, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman said national unity could not be created by imposing decisions through force. “Political governments may have made mistakes but still it is better to wait for the elections when people will punish those who did not keep their promises,” he said.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Siraj-ulHaq said that the national unity cannot be created without establishing a justice system. He said that he will not accept any change through unconstitutional methods.

Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan Chief Dr Farooq Sattar said that national solidarity was extremely important to counter internal and external challenges.

All the political parties should devise a national agenda by setting aside their political differences, he added.

CPNE General Secretary Ejazul Haq said the purpose of the conference was to bring the political leadership on one platform, and also invited opposition parties to build national consensus in this regard.

Senior journalist Mujeeb-urRehman Shami said that though the performance of the democratic governments has not been exemplary, CPNE would resist any change through undemocratic means.

Columnist Imtiaz Alam said that the Supreme Court had admitted the petition regarding Panama Leak. He said that there was a need to cool down political polarization and matter should not be settled on the roads.

The conference was also addressed by Vice-President Mehtab Khan Abbasi, Jamil Athar Qazi and Dr Jabbar Khattak.