Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed meets high powered 17-member delegation of German Command and Staff College

Date : November 19, 2013

Islamabad (19th November, 2013): Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of the Senate Defence Committee, while exchanging views with a high powered 17-member delegation of German Command and Staff College, observed that  Pakistan strongly supports the Afghan peace process, adding that a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan, the region and the world. He said that the people of Afghanistan have to decide their own destiny. The delegation was led by General Retd. Rainer Christian Albert Schuwirth, course directed Federal Armed Forces Command And Staff College.   

Senator Mushahid further remarked that Pakistan wants resolution of its disputes with India including the core issue of Kashmir and has gone an extra mile in this regard. However, the Indian side never reciprocated and the Kashmir issue which is the main impediment in the peace process remained unresolved. “Peace process cannot be compartmentalized” Chairman of the Defence Committee added.

Responding to a question, Senator Mushahid said that there are multiple power centers in the country now.  Dimensions of the national security have broadened which now include cyber security, climate change, economy, energy and education. He said there was a dire need for a workable counter terrorism society and searching for innovative ways to combat new challenges. Regarding civil-military relations, he lauded General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani for his role in improving the image of the armed forces as institution.  He said that judiciary is independent, media is free and civil society is vibrant and parliament is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.  

He said that Pakistan has offered sacrifices in war against terror. People are resilient and our resolve is undeterred to root out the menace of terrorism. During the recent election, people despite threats voted and preferred the ballot instead of bullets and bombs. He further said that there was no India bashing during the elections.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed also briefed the delegation over the regional situation particularly the role being played by Pakistan and other important regional players. Pakistan, the Senator said, enjoys cordial relations with Germany and there is not agenda driven policy of German Government. He appreciated German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her courage to ask Bush administration to close Guantanamo Bay prison. He said that post-2014 scenario is important for Pakistan and mistakes of the past should not be repeated.        

Leader of the delegation thanked Senator Mushahid for candid and frank discussion and appreciated his vision on regional and global issues.