Pakistan`s policy based on defensive deterrence: Memon
05 April, 2007
ISLAMABAD: Senator Nisar A. Memon has said that Pakistan`s policy is based on defensive deterence and on upholding the sovereign rights of the nation to develop its facilities to protect the motherland and has no aggressive designs
In a message received here from Beijing, leader of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence & Defence Production delegation Senator Nisar A. Memon during a visit to the Great Hall of the People for a meeting with Madam He Luli, Vice Chairperson of the National People`s Congress said Pakistan recognized and appreciated the deep rooted relationship between China and Pakistan over the last five decades.
The relations between the two countries are neighbourly, brotherly and of strategic nature, he said. They are broad based in all areas and have withstood the test of time.
Senator Nisar said, "Since Pakistan and China have signed an agreement to fight three evils terrorism, extremism and separatism therefore Pakistan condemns the East Turkistan Movement and assures of working together to fight the scourge of international terror which is destabilizing the region. While we appreciate China`s support to Pakistan in International Affairs over all these years, Pakistan believes in one China policy and welcomes China to join as an observer of SAARC. In February 2006 the framework agreement of cooperation was signed during the visit of President Musharraf to China and the People of Pakistan value greatly all round relationship with china in the field of international politics, economics, social and defence area. The MOU signed between the two countries in 2002 on Pakistan China Defence and security talks have been successful and have brought the two countries together.
The joint commission between the Ministry of Defence Production and China has resulted in joint production of Al Khalid and Al Zarrar tanks, JF-17 aircraft and P-22 Frigates. Pakistanis were delighted to see JF-17 in the skies on Pakistan Day and welcomed the 100 member youth delegation from China on Pakistan Day. This shows that strong ties exist between the leadership, between the executive branch, between the parliaments and at the people level. Senator Memon said that the relationship between the countries can be summed up as based on consultation, coordination and cooperation."
Senator Memon said that people of China are in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan. China is as close to us as our Jugular vein.
Madam He Luli recounted the historic relationship between the two countries in all the areas and recounted the frequent visit by the leadership of the two countries. She said high level visits and consultation are important. She said that China always appreciates Pakistan`s support on one China Policy, the Tibet issue and fight against terrorism. The people of China give full support to Pakistan to uphold its sovereignty. She further added that the older leadership founded this deep rooted fraternal relationship and now the younger generation will carry the torch of this brotherly relationship forward.
Senator Nisar A. Memon described the policy of Pakistan as based on defensive deterence and on upholding the soverign rights of the nation to develop its facilities to protect the motherland and has no aggressive designs. Relationship with Pakistan is based on mutual trust and the objective of the Defence Committee visit to China was to recognize the strategic relationship and further strengthen relations in the areas of Defence and Defence Production. We welcome the various actions that have taken place to co produce aircrafts, ships and conventional weapons. The close relationship is further affirmed by training of Chinese officers in Pakistan and Pakistani officers in China as well as the Joint Exercises from time to time. Pakistan has the capacity and capability to further provide military training facilities to the officers of Chinese defence forces.
Director Institute for Stretegic Studies, National Defence University, China, Rear Admiral Yang Yi appreciated the visiting of Defence Committee and said that we would like to learn from you about various bilateral, regional and international matters to help formulate our policies. The relationship with Pakistan especially in the areas of defence is deep rooted and is expected to strengthen further irrespective of Chinai`s relationship with other countries.
Senator Memon pointed out to the strategic Karakoram Highway and Gwadar Port with the Chinese assistance and said that we expect Gwadar airport to be constructed also by China. These two projects will help link the two countries and the region.
The meetings were attended by Senators Syed Dilawar Abbas, Naeem Hussain Chattha, Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi and Kamran Murtaza and Secretary Committee Iftikhar Ullah Babar. Salman Bashir, Ambassador of Pakistan also joined the meeting at the Great Hall of the People.
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