PESHAWAR - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister for Information and Culture, Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that their national interests are supreme to them and they will never compromise them while dealing with any power of the world including the USA.
He said that they wanted to maintain good relationships with all countries of the world on the basis of equality, adding that they would appreciate whole-heartedly the support of all countries and the donour agencies in various sectors. This he said while addressing a function arranged by Pakistan Democratic Forum at Birmingham, England the other day. The function was also addressed by Pakistan High Commissioner at England Wajid Shamsul Hassan, ANP President England chapter Mehfooz Jan, Member Parliament Laim Burn, Councilor Ansar Ali, Dr Haider Ali Khan, Shabana Mehmood, Khalid Mehmood and religious scholars of various schools of thought.
The minister said that they as a nation were consciously against terrorism, adding that their war was against such a thinking, which was becoming a source of terrorism and militancy. “We always offered sacrifices for this land and would not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for this sacred cause in future also.” Every person of the society was playing its due role in the war against terrorism that was why the elements who were dreaming to establish its rule through the power of bullet, were searching for shelter in the caves, he said.
From this forum, he appealed the international community to understand that terrorism was menace for all and sundry, furthering that this was not the war of Pakistan only but was of the whole world.
Therefore, each and every country should come forward to combat terrorism. It was need of the hour that the world should stand up against the destructive elements who were indiscriminately targeting the innocent human beings. We believe in solution of all problems through dialogues and we practically showed that in Malakand Division.
The Information Minister called upon the USA to reconsider its policies particularly regarding Drone attacks as it were badly affecting its image in public and the world-over. He added that it would not only create panic and provocation but also prove helpful in strengthening the terrorists and militants. The Drone technology should be shared with Pakistan for better results, he said.
Mian Iftikhar said that no country has the right to interfere in the affairs of other countries but each country should honour the internal independence and autonomy of others. While referring to the restoration of NATO supply, he said that they would accept every decision of the parliament in this regard as it was the supreme institution of the country. He, however, opined that restoration of NATO supply should be conditional.
The Information Minister continued that the Pakhtuns love their religion from the core of heart, therefore, they have always been deceived in the name of religion adding that it was for the first time in the five thousands years Pakhtuns’ history, the real face of the sinister elements was unveiled who were using the name of Islam for their vested interests. It was the big achievement of the provincial government to portray the enemies of Pakhtuns, he concluded.