RAWALPINDI, May 8: The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) on Tuesday asked the government to link reopening of Nato supply to withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

They rejected the impression created by the government that the suspension of the supply was a violation of international law.

The members of the ex-servicemen association, in a resolution adopted at a meeting, argued that those who thought that the suspension of Nato supplies was a violation of international law, should also justify the legality of frequent drone attacks.

The meeting was attended by Vice Admiral (retired) Ahmad Tasnim, Air Marshal (retired) Masood Akhtar, Lt-Gen (retired) Naeem Akbar, former ambassador Salim Nawaz Gandapur, Brig (retired) Mian Mahmud, Brig (retired) Syed Masudul Hassan and others.

Expressing serious concerns over the implications of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India, they said that it would prove detrimental to the country’s economy and national security.

They also asked the government to ensure that this facility should not be misused for transporting Nato/Isaf supplies from  India to Afghanistan through Pakistan.

The resolution also asked the government to stop maligning the Supreme Court, and that after 77-page detailed verdict against the prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, the premier had lost moral grounds to stay in office.

They said that the interpretation of law was the exclusive domain of the judiciary while government’s efforts to ridicule the apex court had exposed its stand on democracy, rule of law, respect for judiciary and upholding the constitution.

The meeting expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order and demanded steps aimed at eliminating powerful political forces fuelling the lawlessness.

The retired army generals also asked the government to revisit its role in the so-called war on terror, foreign, defence and counter-terror policies which must be based on well-defined vital national interests.