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Army, politicians urged

to join hands for saving

country

RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: PML leader Ejaz-ul-Haq has reiterated his stand on National Security Council and asked politicians and army to enter into serious deliberations to save Pakistan from future crisis and tragedies.

Addressing members of the District Bar Association here on Tuesday, he said: "We have failed to learn lesson during the past 52 years and are still playing an un-ending game of musical chairs."

He said that it was a pity that even the democratic governments failed to follow the Constitution for crisis management. "Contrary to the democratic spirit constitutional amendments were enacted to strengthen the personal rule," he said. Pakistan was dismembered in 1971 when there was martial law. Later, a unanimous constitution was framed and successive political governments tried to restore checks and balances between president and prime minister but opposed even the consultative role of army in decision making.

He referred to the differences between the government and the army on the issue of Kargil and said there was no constitutional institution in Pakistan to discuss and create harmony between the two vital state organisations.

Supporting National Security Council (NSC) for a specific period, he said that under the present geo-political situation, neither army nor politicians alone can protect the national interests. He said that army cannot handle the complicated political and economic situation while politicians should also understand and accept its consultive role to put the country back on the democratic path.

He said that NSC should be a supreme body to discuss issues relating to the Geo-strategic situation, CTBT, nuclear programmes, etc. "Some elements are allergic to NSC. However, it may be named as Cabinet Defence Committee with a mandate to coordinate between Army, Foreign Office, Interior Ministry and other government departments," he added.

He said that the absence of necessary checks and balances payed the way for the intervention of army on October 12, last. "This issue is pending before apex court. We were very hopeful before the oath taking of judges under PCO. However, still we are optimistic," he said.

Ejaz said that Pakistan is among three unlucky states that are under military rule. "We have been isolated from the international community. Foreign pressure has been increased. Economy is dwindling and there are no chances of foreign investment. Hence, politicians and army should make collaborated efforts to drag out Pakistan from the current crisis," he said.

Comparing the gravity of the situation with that of 1971 when Pakistan was dismembered, he said that USA and India have entered into an agreement to crush terrorism which could be used as a pressure tactic by exploiting Kashmir issue. Moreover, India is spending $40 million per annum on lobbying in America. He expressed fear that India might launch a diplomatic and media offensive to counter pressure on Kashmir issue by declaring 'Jihadi' organisations as terrorists.

Ejaz claimed that apart from other political parties 95 percent parliamentarians of PML had individually supported his formula of NSC prior to the army action of October 12. He said that assemblies could be restored or fresh elections could be announced to put the country back on the track of democracy. PML being the most popular political party, is ready to seek fresh mandate, he added.

About the process of accountability, he said that it should be a continuous process and added that he was criticised by his colleagues when he supported across-the-board accountability. However, he claimed that all politicians are not corrupt and it would be unfair to punish the assemblies for the blunders of a few parliamentarians.

Earlier, Mian Mohammad Iqbal, President District Bar Association, in his address of welcome greeted Ejaz-ul-Haq.

Later, the PML leader also addressed a press conference and a reception by PML workers.