Mushahid calls for strong civil-miltiary ties against threats

Date : June 13, 2012

Islamabad, June 13, 2012: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence production, while putting its weight behind the country’s armed forces  and Security institutions, observed that Parliament and the political leadership of the country fully backs the armed forces in their heroic effort for defence  of the  motherland.

The Committee which was presided over by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chalked out a comprehensive plan of action for the year 2012.  Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed in his opening remarks stated that a smooth civil-military relationship is the need of the hour to protect the national interests and formulate policies to counter internal and external security threats. Reiterating his resolve to make the Defence Committee serve as a bridge between Khaki and mufti, he said that the Committee would also endeavor to focus on a review of Pakistan’s defence strategy in light of the situation around Pakistan’s borders.  Apart from civil-military relations and briefing from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Defence Production, the Defence Committee would also review the working of the PIA and Civil Aviation Authority.

He said that Parliament has to play a proactive role keeping in view the new emerging realities at national, regional and international level. Senator Mushahid sought suggestions from the members of the committee in this regard.

The proposed work plan has been divided into two parts which would include briefings by all the three services, Strategic Plan Division, ISI, Defence Production besides holding public hearings based on input from defence experts, academics and professionals to better understand Pakistan’s defence issues. The committee would also formulate proposals to further enhance civil-military relations and prepare an annual Defence Policy Strategy document based on policy recommendations.

Members of the Committee also gave their view point on the occasion. Senator Sehar Kamran said that Pakistan always enjoyed good relations with Saud-i-Arabia, Iran and the Gulf countries. She proposed that attention should be focused on further strengthening defence ties with these natural allies. She also suggested that the Defence Committee of the Senate should visit these countries to search new avenues of cooperation in Defence sector.

Senator  Shujat Hussain appreciated the proposed work plan, expressing the hope that  real issues pertaining to Defence and Defence Production would be given due consideration.

Senator Haji Adeel underlined the need to make Pakistan’s military exports a source of strength for the national economy.  Senator Tahir Mashhadi appreciated that this was perhaps the first time ever that a Standing Committee of Parliament had prepared a work plan providing a roadmap for the future regarding its activities in such detail and depth.  Senator Raja Zafarul Haq expressed the hope that the Committee would help in the formfulation of policies that promote an effective national defence, and in this regard, he urged the seeking of the perspective of the armed forces as well regarding current problems.

The Committee decided to visit the families of those martyred in Siachen to expressed solidarity with them and appreciated their sacrifices and contributions for the country.  The Committee also decided to pay homage to the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider at their graves on the occasion of September 6, Defence Day of Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Senators Ch. Shujaat Hussain, Sehar Kamran, Col ® Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Haji Muhammad Adeel, Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Muhammad Ishaq Dar. Special Secretary Senate Amjed Pervez was also present on the occasion.