Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. — Photo by Online

ISLAMABAD: The Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday expressed serious concerns over government’s decision to grant Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India.

He also claimed that opposition and other stakeholders were not taken on board before taking the decision in this regard.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab House, Nisar said India always remained firmed on its policy towards Pakistan and always tried to mar Pakistan’s interests, than why our government was showing such a relaxation, he asked while terming the decision as childish.

He said granting India MNF status would not only impact Pakistan’s economy but would also have geo-political impacts in the region. However, PML-N leader clarified that his party was not in favour of war with the neighboring country.

“PML-N doesn't favour war with India but the issue of granting India MFN status should have been brought to the parliament for discussion,” he added.

The PML-N leader also raised his concerns over the reports regarding President Zardari’s letter to US administration sent via outgoing US army chief Admiral Mike Mullan exactly one week after Abbotabad raid that killed al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.

A British daily reported “A week after the covert US raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden, President Asif Ali Zardari sought to reach out to the Obama administration to stop army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani from staging a coup, a Pakistani-American businessman has said. The memo was sent through Mike Mullan, report further alleged.

Nisar said he raised the issue during the National Assembly session but the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani did not bother to speak whether the president wrote a letter to US government or not. Opposition leader asked the President to clarify his position on the report.

The PML-N leader also alleged Law Ministry for pressuring officials of Election Commission of Pakistan and demanded government to let the commission function independently.

“PML-N wants next elections free and fair, and Election Commission must be freed from any political or government official,” he added.

Commenting on new NAB chief appointment, Nisar said the appointment was unconstitutional because government did not consult the opposition. He termed President Asif Zardari as the biggest hurdle in appointing an impartial person as a head of the accountability bureau.

Chaudhry Nisar further said he would inform visiting US State Secretary Hillary Clinton about the decisions taken during All Parties Conference (APC).

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.