Parliamentary Committee and Their Recommendations

I have been wondering since the events of Tuesday as it turns out that they have surprised many people across the globe and especially in Pakistan. It is really interesting to note that a parliamentary committee has weighed in, with unusual suggestions, to support the country-wide held view that the government should stand up to the USA like sovereign governments do and not bow to 'commands' by Americans.

The parliamentary committee headed by Senator Mian Raza Rabbani demanded that Pakistan should be offered an "unconditional apology" over the martyrdom of twenty-four Pakistani slodiers by Nato forces; further adding that tax should be levied on all the goods that are transited through Pakistan which is by no means asking for the impossible. The other things that the committee recommended include the demand to stop the drone attacks in tribal areas, the USA review its "footprints" on Pakistani soil, "no hot pursuit or boots on Pakistani territory", and all the activities of the private security contractors be made transparent and in accordance to the law of the land in Pakistan. Another notable point is the recommendation that Pakistan should also try to reach deal like the Indians are doing with the Americans, making sure that security of Pakistan is also not compromised. There are similar, around forty, points that have been noted in the report read out to the Parliament.

Now the question is what will the government do. Only on this hinges the success for Pakistan in the future. All these recommendations if agreed to in full and to the letter and implemented like they should be done will have far-reaching healthy effects on Pakistani government, society at large and on the reputation all over the World which is, to tell the truth, is in tatters and need a full fledged overhaul which will not come unless harsh decisions are made and implemented in their true spirit with religious zeal.

If this is done it will have severely bad effect on the economy of Pakistan. But when has it been better? Pakistani nation has experience spread over decades of living in poverty and unfavourable economic conditions. Everybody knows full well how many sanctions Pakistan had to go through to become a nuclear power. These sanctions and hard times will certainly squeeze the common man but there is no other way out for our country.

What is required now is the voice from all various forums in Pakistan and around the world for the support as well as demand of Pakistani government to push ahead with these harsh but just recommendations made by the parliamentary committee.