Pakistan Religious Parties Warn Govt. Against NATO Supply Restoration

Islamabad, Jan 8, IRNA – Alliance of religious parties in Pakistan Saturday announced to launch country-wide protest campaign if the NATO supply was restored. Pakistan closed NATO supplies for US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan a day after NATO fighter jets and helicopters shelled Pakistani border posts in November which killed 24 soldiers. Leaders of the Defense of Pakistan, an alliance of religio-political parties, speaking at a joint press conference said they would show resistance to any decision to restore supplies to nearly 150,000 forces in Afghanistan. The leaders at a declaration said, “The Council condemns and rejects the attempts to reopen NATO supply under cover of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.” The meeting observed that vacating Shamsi airbase by the US and blockade of supplies to NATO were the right steps after which American’s attacks and terrorism came to an end. “Therefore restoration of supply would simply mean an invitation to attacks and terrorism against Pakistan,” the declaration said. The meeting also urged the government to quit the so-called ‘war on terror’ and disassociate Pakistan from it. Maulana Samiul Haq, head of the Council, said that the leadership of the council has decided to expedite country-wide movement of the masses against the US terrorism. He declared that big rallies will be held against the US on January 22 in Rawalpindi, January 29 in Multan and on February 12 in Karachi. “We want to convey a strong message in connection to defense of the country through such activities,” Samiul Haq added. He said that Pakistan should boost ties with China and the Muslim world and shut relationship with the US. Pakistan has also started review of relationship with the US and NATO following the attack and the parliament will soon open debate on the future relationship. The religious parties also opposed the Most Favoured Nation status to India in trade and demanded of the government to stop the unilateral privileges to India. They advised the government to avoid trade facilities to India unless the Kashmir issue is resolved./end