SENATE OF PAKISTAN PAKISTAN WORLDVIEW

Report - 16 SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Pakistan & NATO

September, 2007 http://www.foreignaffairscommittee.org

List of Contents

1. From the Chairman’s Desk 5

2. Executive Summary 9 - 13

3. Dialogue with NATO Parliamentary Assembly (March 14, 2007)

Participants of the Meeting 17 - 19

Proceedings of the Meeting (Verbatim Record) 23 - 47

4. Pakistan Parliamentary Delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session (Madeira, Portugal, 25-28 May, 2007) 51 - 62

5. Pakistan Senate Delegation to NATO’s 8th New Parliamentarians Programme (Brussels, Belgium, 8-12 July, 2007) 65 - 80

6. Appendixes:

President General Pervez Musharraf’s meeting with NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (May 8, 2007) 83 - 85

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visit to NATO Headquarters (January 30, 2007) 86 - 87

Pakistan and NATO Article by Dr. Rashid Ahmed Khan 88 - 91

7. Profiles

Profiles of the Chairman and Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 95 - 102

Profiles of the Committee Officials 105 - 106

03 Pakistan and NATO From the Chairman’s Desk

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee continued with its vigorous contacts with its counterparts and other legislative institutions in friendly countries to create better mutual understanding of issues of peace and security. These contacts have been of enormous good as there is, now, a better appreciation of Pakistan’s policies and perspective on current issues; and similarly, we now understand the position of others. This interaction has led to extremely happy results. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is determined to continue and expand these contacts and meetings, which is what this report is all about.

The visit of a delegation of NATO Parliamentary Assembly in March, 2007 at the invitation of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee led the process further, particularly in the context of the situation in Afghanistan, NATO’s role there and relations with Pakistan. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee also facilitated the visiting delegation’s interaction with think tanks like the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS). The visiting delegation got an insight into Pakistan’s commitment to peace and its phenomenal contribution in war against terror and in the stabilization of situation in Kabul.

The visit was of great significance as the 11 members of the delegation were drawn from as many countries – members of NATO. The discussions were frank, but cordial conducted in the spirit of developing a better understanding of mutual policies. The detailed verbatim record fully reflects the vast range of the issues discussed.

After this visit, there were two follow up interactions from the Pakistani side. At NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session held at Madeira, Portugal (May, 2007) the Pakistani Parliamentary delegation was led by the Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro. Another Pakistan’s Senate delegation participated at NATO’s 8th New Parliamentarians Programme, at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium in July, 2007. There were interactions of these Pakistani parliamentarians with NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer as well as with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General John Craddock.

I trust this Report will be read with interest and will enhance readers’ knowledge of a broad spectrum of current global issues.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed

05 Pakistan and NATO EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Executive Summary

On invitation of the Senate Foreign Relations Pakistan would be presented to NATO during Committee an eleven member delegation of the spring summit scheduled to be held at NATO Parliamentary Assembly visited Pakistan Madeira Island in Portugal from 25 to 28 May during 13-18 March 2007 under the leadership 2007. of Mr. Karl A. Lamers, Chairman of the Political Committee of NATO Parliament and Vice Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed in his opening President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly. remarks thanked NATO for the outstanding and extraordinary support that NATO Forces A meeting between the Senate Foreign Relations extended to Pakistan during the earthquake of Committee and NATO Parliamentary Assembly October, 2005. He focused his presentation on delegation was held on March 14, 2007 and the three areas, namely, Pakistan-India relations, two sides had an in-depth discussion on “NATO’s situation in the region, particularly in Afghanistan, role in Afghanistan and relations with Pakistan”. and finally, the situation in the Middle East. He Explaining the role of Parliamentary Assembly stated that Pakistan was continuing dialogue of NATO, Mr. Karl A. Lamers said that the process with India and it was hoped that that Assembly was independent of NATO despite process would lead to a resolution of the major strong links between the two as members of flash point between Pakistan and India namely NATO Assembly are also the members of their the contentious issue of Kashmir on which, respective national parliaments and are elected unanimous resolutions were passed by the by them to NATO Parliamentary Assembly. United Nations Security Council in the past. NATO Assembly comprises of 248 members Pakistan was a pivotal player in this region and from 26 member states and 59 members from was developing confluence and congruence with 13 countries with associate status. other regions like China, South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia. China was an observer Mr. Lamers stated that Pakistan and NATO while Afghanistan was a member of SAARC, shared a number of security concerns and which means Afghanistan was now de facto part common interests and the Organization of the community of South Asian nations. recognized the important role and contribution Moreover Iran was also keen to join as observer made by Pakistan to the security of Afghanistan. in SAARC. Pakistan, India and Iran have joined Pakistan was a very important partner in the the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) efforts to rebuild Afghanistan and combat global as observers while members of SCO included terrorism, which made it imperative to strengthen Russia, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Pakistan’s role as an ally against terrorism. and Kazakhstan. This confluence of regions was Giving reasons of the visit he said that the primarily motivated by energy and economy and delegation was interested to know more about in that respect there were talks in progress for Pakistan’s view on security policy and the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline. There was talk of situation in Pakistan and the region because Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline too. such issues are not covered in their newspapers. There was also talk of pipeline from Qatar, which The report on the visit and the meeting with the was one of the world’s largest gas producers. Senate Committee and other dignitaries in That meant that countries in the region would

09 Pakistan and NATO have a strategic stake in good relations provided in poppy cultivation, corruption and mal the contentious political disputes like Kashmir administration. Now Pakistan was being blamed are resolved. for the mistakes made within Afghanistan. And unfortunately in terms of priorities the Americans Giving his views on the issue of Afghanistan, moved out of that country and out sourced the Mushahid stated that Pakistan has been in the war to NATO and to the British. In Pakistan’s eye of the storm for the last 27 years since the assessment, NATO had no stomach for a fight Soviet occupation and invasion of Afghanistan. or the will to win because of public opinion. Pakistan won the last battle of the 20th century, which contributed to the collapse of the Berlin Finally, moving from Afghanistan to the Middle Wall, the liberation of Eastern Europe, the break East Senator Mushahid said that the military up of the Soviet Union and the emergence of intervention in Iraq had also failed. It was hoped United States of America as the sole super that the Iraq Study Group recommendations power. That was why Lithuania was now a would be implemented because it suggested member of E.U. and NATO. Pakistan was now engaging Iran and Syria in talks. The war in Iraq playing a pivotal role in the first battle of the 21st was not winnable militarily and there had to be century, which was the campaign against a political settlement including talks with people, terrorism. This turbulence of the last 26-27 years who were resisting the occupation. which included 3 Afghan wars gave Pakistan 3.5 million Afghan refugees. Pakistan’s Senator Mushahid further stated that Pakistan contribution to Afghanistan had been very clear. was part of the solution and wanted to play a Eighty thousand Pakistani troops were deployed role in resolving issues but they required a lot in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), of coordination and cooperation. Pakistan was bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan and has cooperating with NATO on Afghanistan and was since lost 800 soldiers. The situation in working closely with the Tripartite Commission. Afghanistan deteriorated after the removal of Recently the Afghanistan Jirga Commission the Taliban primarily because of a failure in visited Islamabad for talks. The Senate Foreign Western policy and US policy. The United States Relations Committee had already extended an repeated the mistake of 1990 when they left invitation to Afghan Parliamentarians to visit Afghanistan and Pakistan on their own Pakistan to initiate a bilateral Afghanistan – subsequent to the departure of Red Army from Pakistan dialogue and had informed Iran about Afghanistan. Although, Pakistan sacrificed its desire for a tripartite dialogue between the immensely but the US gave a parting kick in the Parliamentarians of Pakistan, Iran and form of Pressler Amendment resulting in Afghanistan. imposition of sanctions on Pakistan for 11 years from 1990 to 2001. Mr. Karl A. Lamers agreed with what was said by Senator Mushahid Hussain and stated that In 2002 the US imposed war on Iraq because it was a mistake of the United States and other that country lacked governance and countries to leave Afghanistan after the administration. Pakistan opposed the war withdrawal of Soviet Union in 1989. Such because it had no international sanction. Because mistakes which have negative repercussions for of that there had been a deterioration of the the stakeholders should not be repeated. situation and resurgence of Taliban, resurgence Secondly, NATO had launched development

10 Pakistan and NATO activity in Afghanistan but the over all situations indicator of that were the protests in Kabul. The was really deteriorating. He did not agree with issue was not development as it was done under the argument that the Americans out sourced imperialist and colonial regimes also. The issue the war to NATO and the British. In his view the was independence, of liberty, of sovereignty, of American contribution was very strong. There the right of the people to run their country were two missions namely ISAF mandated by according to their own rights and to have their US and OAF which were trying to bring stability own leadership. and ensure reconstruction of Afghanistan. Pakistan was an important ally in this region but Similarly, the way Iran was being focused it the United States and NATO are also important looked to be a part of a global design to penalize to fulfill their commitments. The role of NATO and to have access to the resources, the energy was to make a combination of military and social and the economy of Iran and other endowed reconstruction measures. Pakistan had made regimes. enormous efforts and had dispatched 80 thousand troops to FATA but sometimes there Senator Nisar A. Memon stated that one of the were worries about what was going on especially key issues that NATO needed to understand the consequences of the agreement in North was that Pakistan’s security concerns had Waziristan. become serious due to the situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan had a very stable North Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmed asked about the West Frontier Province in the past but that is role of Parliamentary Assembly in the context not the case today. Pakistan had installed of NATO especially when European Union had biometric screening system at Chaman to monitor a parliament of its own. He asked if it was a its border with Afghanistan. He asked NATO to recommendatory body and whether it had support Pakistan in fencing the Durand Line to executive out reach. Secondly France was not make it less porous. It should also support in NATO but it was represented in NATO Pakistan in the construction of roads, schools, Assembly so what was the role of France in that water supply schemes and health facilities being context. Dilating on Afghanistan he suggested carried out by Pakistan Army in areas previously that the mistake of walking away from not reached. Afghanistan by the United States in 1989 should not be repeated and the real implications of that Senator Nisar A. Memon advised that NATO mistake fully appreciated. In the present context should ensure the writ of Kabul Government Permanent presence by western forces in the over entire Afghanistan otherwise the name of support to Afghanistan may be the new Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline and mistake. NATO it appears was moving from the other projects would hang in a balance. There role of mutual defence and security to that of a was also a need for an exit strategy for NATO global policing system, which tantamount to and ISAF Forces because continued presence encroachment of the jurisdiction of United in that country would not be possible. The Afghan Nations. Government had a role to ensure that poppy cultivation was totally eliminated. Prof. Khurshid Ahmed stated that the people of Afghanistan consider the presence of US and Maulana Sami-ul-Haq stated that people were NATO forces as occupying forces and the very impressed with NATO’s contribution during

11 Pakistan and NATO the earthquake. He stated that NATO was problems in Africa. NATO’s first mission was actually formed to stop Soviet imperialism but not Afghanistan but the Balkans. The Afghan after the break up of Soviet empire, what was Government requested for help to bring security the need to retain NATO? Secondly whenever so that they could provide services to the people Muslims tried to preserve and protect their and secondly NATO mission was mandated by independence it became an issue of terrorism the United Nations Security Council and might in the eyes of some people. He asked why NATO be asked to go somewhere else in the future. not defined terrorism as that would differentiate When the legal foundation of UN approval and between terrorism and genuine liberation request by the host government was there NATO movements. Finally he stated that situation in would contribute. Even the small training mission Afghanistan was deteriorating and war was not in Iraq had legal basis because there were UN the answer to the problems of that country. resolutions calling for international help in stabilizing Iraq. Senator Talha Mehmood stated that the US – NATO forces were trying for the last 5 years to He explained that 9/11 was not the first terrorist bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. attack. There were attacks on the World Trade Everyone knew Pakistan’s role in bringing peace Centre in 1993 and bombing of embassies in to Afghanistan and its cooperation with allied late 1990s. The West did not counter this forces and Afghan Government in that regard. effectively and 9/11 happened, which meant that the strategy adopted was not working. In Senator Gulshan Saeed asked if USA attacked Afghanistan their aim was to deny territory to Iran would NATO countries be partners in that Al-Qaeda and the Afghan Government was trying war. Secondly what were NATO’s achievements to do the same. Their exit strategy was to have in Afghanistan? the Afghan Police and Afghan Forces strengthen to a position so as to provide security to the Mr. Jan Petersen stated that NATO Afghan society and the sooner the better. The Parliamentary Assembly was an independent issue of relationship between Muslims and other body close to NATO but not part of NATO religions was also important. He said that he system. The network established in NATO was a member of C-100 in the World Economic Parliamentary Assembly was valuable for Forum which was set up to have dialogue members when interacting in respective national between the Muslim World and the West and parliaments. Since members came from different they did understand the kind of thinking on both countries and parties there would be lot of sides. It was time to understand whether we different views within NATO assembly. NATO shared the faith or not, religion was part of was not dissolved after the collapse of Soviet identity, heritage and the cultural background. Union because it served the member countries Therefore, it should be understood where religion well. It was a community of shared values and and faith ended and where politics began. He after the collapse of Soviet Union a lot of new stated that Iran was really worrying them. There countries wanted to join the organization as it would be no American attack on Iran. Iranians was very valuable. There was no threat of Soviet were developing a nuclear programme which Union but there were threats of different kind might go in different directions but they were like threats from Weapons of mass destruction, also developing a missile programme. The Middle from terrorism and challenge to resolve refugee Eastern countries were deeply worried about

12 Pakistan and NATO what was happening in Gulf countries. So sooner and July 2007 respectively. Both meetings were or later it should be decided whether we want attended by Parliamentary delegations from Iran to go nuclear or not and there was not much Pakistan. The delegation to Madeira was headed time for that. by Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro, Chairman Senate of Pakistan and the one to Brussels was Ms. Rasa Jukneviciene stated that NATO was led by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, very important and an important player of security Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee. in the world not because of Islam as was mentioned earlier. Soviet Union was dissolved but the situation in Russia concerned its neighbours. Moreover, Russia was still not a democratic country. Many Lithuanians were killed in Afghanistan because they were forced to go to that country as part of the Soviet Army. Our parliament was therefore trying to understand what it meant to change and reform the country. Reforms were not easy to carry out and seeing the situation in Afghanistan the feelings of the people could be understood. They may be accepting change overnight but it was difficult to do so in short period. She was of the view that there would be no attack on Iran. She asked as to what kind of message would Pakistan send if Iranian people confront Pakistan. People in NATO countries are concerned about what was going on in Iran given their wordings and aggressive politics towards Western civilizations.

Mr. Nikolai Kamov thanked the Pakistan side for the warm hospitality and welcome. All of them would like to see Afghanistan stable politically and economically. Few people were happy about the situation in Afghanistan but NATO had to fulfill its duty and Pakistan could also play a decisive role because it was a neighbour of Afghanistan.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to both the sides.

This report also includes selected proceedings of NATO Parliamentary Assembly meetings held in Madeira, Portugal and Brussels held in May

13 Pakistan and NATO Dialogue with NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Islamabad, March 14, 2007

Participants of the Meeting Participants of the Meeting Dialogue with NATO Parliamentary Assembly March 14, 2007, Parliament House, Islamabad.

On invitation of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee an eleven-member delegation of NATO Parliamentary Assembly visited Pakistan from 13th to 18th March 2007 under the leadership of Mr. Karl A. Lamers, Chairman of the Political Committee of NATO Parliament and Vice President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly. A meeting between the Senate Committee led by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation was held on March 14, 2007 at the Parliament House, Islamabad. The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

“NATO’s role in Afghanistan and relations with Pakistan”.

The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:

Senator Senator Senator Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed Wasim Sajjad Nisar A. Memon Mrs. Gulshan Saeed Chairman, Senate Foreign Member Member Member Relations Committee

Senator Senator Senator *Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmad Maulana Sami-ul-Haq Muhammad Talha Mehmood Jan Muhammad Jamali Member Member Member Deputy Chairman, Senate *Senator Jan Muhammad Jamali, Deputy Chairman, Senate also attended the meeting on the special invitation.

17 Pakistan and NATO Composition of the visiting delegation was as follows:

Mr. Karl A. Lamers Mr. Jan Petersen Inal Batu (Germany) (Former Foreign Affairs Minister of Norway) (Turkey) Chairman of the PCNP & Vice President Vice President of the Vice Chairman of the of NATO Parliamentary Assembly NATO Parliamentary Assembly NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Mr. Bart van Winsen Senator Ms. Raynell Andreychuk Markus Meckel (The Netherlands), (Canada) (Germany) Rapporteur of the PCNP General Rapporteur of the PC Chairman of the PC

Rui Gomes da Silva Mr. Nikolai Kamov Mr. Denis MacShane (Portugal) (Bulgaria) (United Kingdom), Vice Chairman of the PC Vice Chairman of the PC Member of Parliament

18 Pakistan and NATO Ms. Rasa Jukneviciene Mr. Steffen Sachs (Lithuania) Director Political Head of the Lithuanian Committee, NATO PA delegation to NATO PA

A warm welcome to NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation for a dialogue with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Mr. Carl A. Lamers, Chairman of the PCNP and Vice President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly received by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.

19 Pakistan and NATO Dialogue with NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Islamabad, March 14, 2007

Proceeding of the Meeting (Verbatim Record) Dialogue with NATO Parliamentary Assembly March 14, 2007, Parliament House, Islamabad.

Proceedings of the meeting Vebatim Record

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: We extend morning, we have this meeting till 1 o’clock. a very warm welcome on behalf of the Senate Then in the afternoon there is a seminar at the Foreign Relations Committee to NATO Institute of Strategic Studies on the issue of Parliamentary delegation, the first of its kind to “NATO’s role in Afghanistan: problems and visit Pakistan, and I am sure it will be an prospects”, and tonight, I am hosting a dinner interesting, informative and learning visit for all in your honour, also at this venue – the of you and we look forward to the interaction Parliament. this morning. You have a full day with us. This

“And now Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in the first battle of the 21st century, which is the campaign against terrorism. So in that context, we feel that Pakistan’s contribution has been more in terms of sacrifices and struggles than any other country, including United States, including NATO countries, including any other country.” (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

23 Pakistan and NATO and is former Chief Minister of the Province of “we hope that this process will lead Balochistan. He is also one of Pakistan’s most to a resolution of the major flashpoint enlightened politicians among the youth and in our relations with India in the last other politicians. On his left is Senator Talha 55 years namely, the contentious issue Mahmood. He is from the Opposition religious of Kashmir for which there are party JUI, which is running the Frontier Province. He is an activist for public causes and runs a unanimously passed resolutions of number of non-governmental organizations. Next the United Nations Security Council, to him, also from the Opposition, is a very which are still on the United Nation’s distinguished personality, Senator Prof. Khurshid Agenda that seek the Kashmiris’ right Ahmed, who is Vice President of the religious to determine their own destiny – the parties group, the MMA and a senior leader of the Jamaat-i-Islami. He is former Minister for right of self-determination, which is Planning and Development. He is one of our an inalienable right.” leading economists and Islamic intellectuals and (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed) heads a think tank by the name of IPS (Institute of Policy Studies). On his right is Senator The way we intend to proceed, if it is O.K. with Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, a leading scholar and you, is that I will introduce the members of our head of Pakistan’s most prominent and influential Committee who are present here, then I will ask seminary (Madrassah) at Akora Khattak in the you to introduce the members of your Committee North West Frontier Province. He has been and then I will have a short opening statement very active on issues pertaining to Afghanistan. followed by comments or other questions from He is Chairman of the Senate Committee on this side and then you can do the same. Is that Religious Affairs. Then we have Mr. Iftikharullah fine with you? O.K. Thank you very much. Babar, who is Secretary of the Committee. He, in fact, was instrumental in putting the visit I would start with Senator Wasim Sajjad. He is together along with Mr. Steffen Sachs. So, sir Leader of the House and a former Chairman of this is our team. the Senate, former Acting President of Pakistan and former Minister for Law, Justice and Mr. Karl A. Lamers, Vice President NATO Parliamentary Affairs. He is one of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Assembly: most distinguished lawyers and jurists. Then on Thank you very much Senator Mushahid, for his left, is Senator Nisar A. Memon. He is this very warm welcome here. On behalf of our Chairman of the Senate Defence Committee. delegation, I say, it is a great pleasure for us to He is also a former Minister for Information and be here. We greatly appreciate your invitation former Minister for Kashmir Affairs. He is also and I want to particularly thank you personally, an activist for public and social causes. On his Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman left is Senator Gulshan Saeed, who is Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairperson of the Committee on Ports and for making this visit possible. You did a lot of Shipping. She is a leader of the Pakistan Muslim things, I know, thank you very much. This is the League and an activist for Women Rights as first visit ever of the Parliamentary delegation of well. On her left is Senator Jan Muhammad NATO and so we are eager to get to know your Jamali. He is Deputy Chairman of the Senate views on security issues. I think that is such a

24 Pakistan and NATO complex field of policy, we speak about today, and I think that is very important. Most of us that it is very wise to be here, to gather our own since many, many years belong to this impression of what is going on here in this Parliamentary Assembly of NATO. We are friends important region. since a long time and we have strong connections to each other and so, I think we have a good Let me, at first, introduce the members of our possibility to make an exchange of views inside delegation. On my right, there is Mr. Jan NATO Parliament and outside. NATO Parliament Peterson, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of consists of 248 members from 26 Member States Norway and now Vice President of the and 59 members from 13 countries with Parliamentary Assembly of NATO. To his right Associate status and beyond that, there are is Mr. Bart van Winsen, from Netherlands, he is many Observers from other countries Rapporteur on the Political Committee and sub- participating in our sessions. To be here, it was Committee from NATO partnership. Then there our wish and so once more, thank you very is Rasa Jukneviciene, from Lithuania. She is much. head of our delegation and very prominent member of our Parliament. And to her right, is Pakistan and NATO share a number of security Mr. Nikolai Kamov from Bulgaria, Vice Chairman concerns and common interests. We recognize of the Political Committee. To my left is Mr. your country’s role – important role, and Frank Graef and then there is Mrs. Raynell contribution to the security especially of Andreychuk from Canada, who has a very high position in our Parliament. She is General “So, the original sin was committed Rapporteur of the political committee. Then there by the US when without settling and is Mr. Denis MacShane, former Minister of United Kingdom and high rank member in our stabilizing Afghanistan they left that Parliamentary Assembly of NATO. Mr. Steffen country. In 2002, the US imposed war Sachs is Director of the Political Committee of on Iraq because there was no NATO Parliamentary Assembly and he, along governance and administration there. with Mr. Babar, made all the efforts to materialize Pakistan opposed the Iraq war because this visit. it had no international sanction and Please allow me to make a few short remarks we consider it an unjust and an illegal about what we are doing. The Parliamentary war. So there has been a deterioration Assembly of NATO is formally independent of of the situation, a certain unraveling NATO but there are strong links between and the resurgence of Taliban, Parliamentary Assembly of NATO and NATO itself. All of us belong to our national parliaments resurgence in poppy cultivation, and most of us hold key positions there. We are resurgence in corruption and the appointed for the Parliamentary Assembly of resurgence in maladministration. Now NATO, so it is possible to make a good link Pakistan is being blamed for the between that what is going on in the national mistakes made within Afghanistan, parliaments and in NATO Parliament and so that we are able to bring the mission from national where the problem lies.” parliaments to NATO Parliament and vice versa (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

25 Pakistan and NATO “Pakistan is a very important partner in the efforts to rebuild Afghanistan and combat global extremism. It is important, at first, to recognize, and I think we do, but also to strengthen your role as an ally against terrorism.” (Karl A. Lamers, VP, NATO PA)

Afghanistan. And I think after 9/11, we all have security concerns and are convinced that this a common interest to make a common visit to Pakistan is the first for most of us. It will contribution to achieve peace and to bring stability be a very big contribution to our work in the in this region, especially relating to Afghanistan, Parliamentary Assembly of NATO. We will have especially relating to the border of Afghanistan the Spring Summit in a few weeks in Madeira and Pakistan. Pakistan is a very important partner and we will make a report of what we hear from in the efforts to rebuild Afghanistan and combat you and your perspective of the future of your global extremism. It is important, at first, to country, of Afghanistan and what was going on recognize, and I think we do, but also to here. I just came from New Delhi where I spent strengthen your role as an ally against terrorism. three days and, I think, it is worthwhile to know I think we generally are interested in Pakistan that this country – Pakistan, is a very important and your security concerns. We wait to know one besides the others here in this region. I just more about your views on security policy; of the landed at 4 o’clock in the night but I am very situation here in your country and this region, tough and so it is interesting to be here. I will as I think, it is not possible to read these things close my short remarks with thanks again being in our newspapers. We want to gather our own here and we are open-minded for open impression. So we would listen to what you tell discussion, I think, in a very, very good us and we are ready and willing to answer your atmosphere. Thank you very much and we will questions. We want to learn more about your all listen to your presentation.

26 Pakistan and NATO Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: I will start out with a brief 5 to 6 minutes overview before “we feel that the military intervention we move on, and ask my colleagues to join me in Iraq has also failed. It is not working in this also. First of all, I would like to extend a and we hoped that the Iraq Study very warm welcome to your delegation and also a special thanks to NATO for the outstanding Group recommendations would be and extraordinary support that NATO forces implemented because it said; talk to extended to Pakistan during the earthquake of Iran and Syria. The war is not winnable October, 2005 including equipment, helicopters militarily. There has to be a political and paramedics. So, there was a very important settlement also and there should also logistical and humanitarian role and this was the first specific concrete manifestation of Pakistan- be some talk with people who are NATO cooperation on Pakistan territory and this resisting and there should be a was appreciated because it had no strategic healing touch whether it is Iraq or overturns. It was primarily humanitarian. So we Afghanistan. One fundamental failure want to thank you for that. in the broader campaign against We are well aware that in the last few years terrorism, and why it is becoming an after 9/11 NATO’s Mission Statement has un-winnable war without end is that changed. For the first time, NATO is moving one of the core causes of injustice in beyond the Eurasian land mass, beyond the the Middle East, Palestine and the Atlantic community, into our region – the South roadmap of Palestine was not Asia, and the Middle East region and I am referring to Iraq and Afghanistan. We have also implemented which was announced developed some cooperation. ISAF has been in 2003 and the peace plan initiated in Kabul and Iraq since August, 2003. So, I will by Crown Prince Abdullah in March just focus on three areas. First, the growing 2002 in Beirut, at the Arab League regionalism in the region which is a positive Summit, was also brushed aside.” development and then there are two (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed) developments which are not so positive ones are with reference to what is happening in Afghanistan and what is happening in the Middle – the right of self-determination, which is an East and entire the Muslim world. With India our inalienable right. Pakistan is a pivotal player in rapprochement is on track. We are having talks this region and this region is now developing a with them, even the talks are proceeding these confluence and congruence with other regions days also and we hope that this process will like China, South Asia, Central Asia and West lead to a resolution of the major flashpoint in Asia. There is the South Asian Association for our relations with India in the last 55 years Regional Cooperation (SAARC). China, today, namely, the contentious issue of Kashmir for is an Observer of SAARC while Afghanistan is which there are unanimously passed resolutions a member of SAARC which means Afghanistan of the United Nations Security Council, which is now a de facto part of the community of South are still on the United Nation’s Agenda that seek Asian nations and Iran is also now keen to join the Kashmiris’ right to determine their own destiny as Observer in SAARC.

27 Pakistan and NATO Pakistan, India and Iran have joined the Shanghai liberation of Eastern Europe, the break up of the Cooperation Organization (SCO) as observers. Soviet Union and the emergence of the United The SCO which is also in our vicinity includes States as the dominant Super Power. This is Russia, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan why, Lithuania is now a member of the E.U. and and Kazakhstan. Then we are also talking of NATO because they were part of the Soviet pipelines and this confluence of regions is Union then. And now Pakistan is playing a pivotal primarily motivated by energy and economy. role in the first battle of the 21st century, which We have Iran–Pakistan–India Pipeline (IPI) in is the campaign against terrorism. So in that the offing. There is talk of Turkmenistan – context, we feel that Pakistan’s contribution has Afghanistan – Pakistan Pipeline (TAP). There been more in terms of sacrifices and struggles is also talk of Pipeline from Qatar, which is one than any other country, including United States, of the world’s biggest gas producers. And you including NATO countries, including any other country. This turbulence of the last 26–27 years has given us 3.5 million Afghan refugees. Three “NATO is shifting from total common Afghan wars; the first, the joint jihad against the defence to bring more stability, Soviet Union – the evil empire, then the Afghan security and reconstruction beyond Civil War, then the current Afghan War. Then its borders especially in respect of there were three Gulf wars; the Iran-Iraq war of the many changes after 9/11.” the 80s, then the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in (Karl A. Lamers) which Pakistan was a member of the coalition and now the current war, which is in Iraq, again. We have had three near wars with India in the know, President Putin was here in the region, last 20 years, one in 1987, then in 1999 and West Asia basically, in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. one in 2002 but thankfully the nuclear factor has And there is talk of gas cartel on the lines of been effective for stability in South Asia. A South OPEC and there is so much talk of pipelines Asian version of deterrence, the balance of terror that people jokingly say there may be a between India and Pakistan is now working ‘Pipelinistan’ in the offing. So, this is a very major which precludes the possibility of any war and development, which means that countries in the the result is that war is no longer an option and region will have a strategic stake in good after the 2002 ‘near war’ situation, which was a relations, provided the contentious political South Asian version of the Cuban Missiles crisis disputes like Kashmir and other are resolved. of 1962, India backed out from the brink and the That is one. process of normalization and rapprochement is now on track and there had been rough rides The second issue I would like to focus on briefly also but it is moving. In that context, Pakistan’s is Afghanistan. Pakistan has been in the eye of contribution to Afghanistan has been very clear. the storm for the last 26–27 years since the We have sent 80,000–plus troops to our tribal Soviet occupation and invasion of Afghanistan. areas which border Afghanistan. We have lost This region, you can see, has seen a lot of 800 soldiers there and, unfortunately, the situation turbulence, a lot of turmoil, and Pakistan has deteriorated after the removal of the Taliban been there in the last battle of the 20th century, primarily because of a failure in the Western which won the Cold War for the West and policy and the US policy. The United States resulted in the demolition of the Berlin Wall, the repeated the mistake of 1989 when it forgot

28 Pakistan and NATO Finally, moving from Afghanistan to the Middle “All countries, all states have East, I would like to add that we feel that the recognized that it is not enough to military intervention in Iraq has also failed. It is bring grenades and bombs to that not working and we hoped that the Iraq Study country but to rebuild Afghanistan.” Group recommendations would be implemented because it said; talk to Iran and Syria. The war (Karl A. Lamers) is not winnable militarily. There has to be a political settlement also and there should also about Afghanistan and Pakistan after the Red be some talk with people who are resisting and Army left Afghanistan. They ditched Pakistan there should be a healing touch whether it is as an ally and we were left holding the baby with Iraq or Afghanistan. One fundamental failure in the bath water. Although we had sacrificed so the broader campaign against terrorism, and much but they gave us a parting kick, that parting why it is becoming an un-winnable war without Kick was in the form of Pressler Amendment end is that one of the core causes of injustice resulting in imposition of sanctions on Pakistan in the Middle East, Palestine and the roadmap for 11 years from 1990 to 2001. of Palestine was not implemented which was announced in 2003 and the peace plan initiated So, the original sin was committed by the US by Crown Prince Abdullah in March 2002 in when without settling and stabilizing Afghanistan Beirut, at the Arab League Summit, was also they left that country. In 2002, the US imposed brushed aside. war on Iraq because there was no governance and administration there. Pakistan opposed the “what we can do more to protect the Iraq war because it had no international sanction and we consider it an unjust and an illegal war. border, Afghan-Pakistan border. We So there has been a deterioration of the situation, know that you made strong efforts to a certain unraveling and the resurgence of do this. You have 80,000 soldiers and Taliban, resurgence in poppy cultivation, much more doing this work.” resurgence in corruption and the resurgence in (Karl A. Lamers) maladministration. Now Pakistan is being blamed for the mistakes made within Afghanistan, where the problem lies. Unfortunately, the Americans So the region is in turmoil. Pakistan is part of decided to move out therefrom in terms of the solution. Pakistan wants to play a role in priorities and they outsourced the war to NATO resolving these issues but they require a lot of and to the British. So this outsourcing and, if coordination and cooperation. On Afghanistan, you ask, our assessment is that NATO does not we have good cooperation with NATO. There is have the stomach for a fight or the will to win a tripartite Commission and we are working because of public opinion. We know what together with the Commission. Yesterday, the happened to Prody, we know what might happen Afghanistan Jirga Commission was in Islamabad. to Britain after Mr. Gordon becomes Prime They have had their first meeting with their Minister, Insha’Allah and what about NATO’s Pakistani counterparts. So, that is another track commitment and their capacity to fight a long of relationships. We, the Senate Foreign Relation war. Committee in Pakistan have extended an invitation to the Afghan Parliamentarians to visit

29 Pakistan and NATO article, which appeared three days ago in the “Is NATO now trying to move from a International Herald Tribune, written by an mutual defence arrangement to a eminent British journalist, Anatol Lieven, who is global policing system and, then, are based in Washington DC, and works with an we not stepping on the toes of the UN, American Think Tank. That gives you, I would say, a very balanced perspective on events by which emerged as an institution to a Western writer based in Washington, which ensure global peace and security?” you normally do not find, and I think, that could (Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmed) be useful to your perspective.

Pakistan. We also want to initiate a bilateral I hope you have a pleasant stay. We will be Afghanistan-Pakistan dialogue and also a continuing our dialogue this afternoon at the tripartite dialogue between the Parliamentarians Think Tank meeting also where I will be of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan because we personally present. There will be two speakers feel Iran also has a commitment to the region from your side; one, of course, the Chairman of and you cannot exclude neighbours of the delegation and another person you can Afghanistan. We hope that this process will also nominate; and two speakers from Pakistan, a be on track and your visit will contribute to a retired General and a lady who is heading the better understanding of the situation in the region, Think Tank. That will also be a good opportunity a better understanding of Pakistan’s perspective, for you to interact and then we will be meeting Pakistan’s role and Pakistan’s contribution. I for dinner again. have also taken the liberty of circulating an

“Although we had sacrificed so much but they gave us a parting kick, that parting kick was in the form of Pressler Amendment resulting in imposition of sanctions on Pakistan for 11 years from 1990 to 2001.” (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

30 Pakistan and NATO These were my opening remarks, a very frank can do, what your countries and NATO can do and friendly statement of Pakistan’s perspective to stabilize the situation. You spoke of and I think that since you are here, you can have outsourcing of the war by the United States. I diplomatic niceties in the foreign office and in do not agree to that. I think the American contribution is very strong. We have two missions, the ISAF Mission mandated by United “And very strong reservations have Nations and OAF mission and think that are too, been made about who were very important missions to bring more stability and even more reconstruction to Afghanistan. responsible for 9/11. Even the 9/11 NATO is shifting from total common defence to Commission report does not throw bring more stability, security and reconstruction any light on that, it just overlooks beyond its borders especially in respect of the the real issues and yet it is being many changes after 9/11. Their key priority is, used to unleash war of terror on I am sure, Afghanistan and I think we have a common interest. Pakistan is an important people in Afghanistan and then country here in this region but United States and escalation to Iraq and now we don’t NATO are also important to fulfill their know Iran and what else.” commitments, but let me underline about our (Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmed) mission in Afghanistan. All countries, all states have recognized that it is not enough to bring grenades and bombs to that country but to the diplomatic corps but you are talking to rebuild Afghanistan. To bring new perspectives Parliamentarians, who represent the people of to people in that country, especially for education Pakistan, who know the popular pulse and you of women, to build schools, bridges, streets, to should know the sentiments of the people of do all those things which give people a better Pakistan and the people of the Muslim world. life in their future, and if we could realize and Thank you very much. fulfill this mission, I think, we will have a good chance to lead this mission to success. So we Mr. Karl A. Lamers: Thank you very much. As speak in NATO and in our Parliament, especially to response from my side, only a few remarks in NATO Summit in Riga, to make a combination and then I would like to open the floor for of military measures and social reconstruction questions and answers. I agree very much to measures. That is a very important point. We what you said that it was a mistake of the United States and other countries to leave Afghanistan “You have to look towards feelings after the withdrawal of the Soviets in 1989. I of the people and from that think we must do everything not to repeat that viewpoint, I think, the people of mistake as it would have very negative repercussions and consequences for us all. The Afghanistan now regard the second thing, I think, we have launched a lot of presence of US and NATO forces as development activity in Afghanistan in the last occupying forces and the protests years. Good things may be developing but we in Kabul are an indicator of that.” worry about the overall situation, which is really (Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmed) deteriorating. So we have to think of what we

31 Pakistan and NATO “I agree very much to what you said that it was a mistake of the United States and other countries to leave Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the Soviets in 1989. I think we must do everything not to repeat that mistake as it would have very negative repercussions and consequences for us all.” (Karl A. Lamers)

try to realize this in northern Afghanistan but we floor with the request that what we can do more know that the southern part and the eastern part to protect the border, Afghan-Pakistan border. are much more dangerous for attacks by Taliban, We know that you made strong efforts to do this. maybe Al-Qaeda resulting in deaths of soldiers You have 80,000 soldiers and much more doing and recently a social development aid worker. this work. We respect what you are doing but I think, if we stand together side by side, we can some times we worry about what is going on, prevent attacks from Al-Qaeda, from Taliban especially in the consequence of the agreement against soldiers, Afghan people and civilian in North Waziristan and we try to understand development aid workers. what is going on there, that you have such an agreement with Tribals in these areas. Let me close my short remarks and open the Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Ask your “The issue is independence, of liberty, British friends, they did the same agreement in Musa Qilla. They can answer that question. of sovereignty, of the right of the people (of Afghanistan) to run their Mr. Karl A. Lamers: Yes. I do not oppose it and country according to their own rights I think, it is good for us to get a better and to have their own leadership.” understanding of your policies and what you are (Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmed) doing and I think it maybe necessary to take in the Tribals in this area to come to a peaceful

32 Pakistan and NATO solution of all these questions. I think we get a better understanding of what is going on here. “No leadership change, regime change, dictated by outsiders whoever Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Your that may be. So, I think, that is a very question will be answered by Senator Nisar important issue and you cannot Ahmad Memon after the presentation by Prof. Khurshid Ahmad. What can NATO do more? resolve the Afghan issue unless you Prof. Khurshid. realize this and do not commit the mistake which was made by the British, Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmad: Bismillah by the Russians and now by Hir’rahma-nir-Raheem. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Americans and unfortunately, NATO Lamers, friends and colleagues from the European Union, from NATO Parliamentary also as their collaborator in that.” Assembly, I think, it is a very important occasion (Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmed) for all of us and I join our Chairman, on behalf of the Opposition, to welcome all of you and we correctly that in 1989, USA committed a regard this to be an extremely important Himalayan blunder and I think, you two opportunity to have frank and friendly discussion. Chairmen, agree on that. I also agree that it Friendly for us means frank. For my own should not be repeated but my worry is that the education, there are two points on which I would real implications of that perhaps are not being like to be informed from your side. First, about fully appreciated and abandoned. If that was the the real role of Parliamentary Assembly in the mistake at that time then some kind of permanent context of NATO which is primarily a security presence in the name of support may be the organization, and the European Union which new mistake towards which we are heading. I has a parliament of its own. Is it a would like to be very frank that we have to be recommendatory body? Does it have any clear as to what the issues are, and how this executive reach? What is the real role? I would cooperation and collaboration can take place. like to understand that. Secondly, I find that And here, I have a very major worry. Frankly, France is not in NATO, but it has a representation NATO, to the best of my understanding, was a in your Assembly. So, what is the role of France system of mutual defence and security between in this context? There is one little point on which the US and the Europe in the context of cold I was very impressed, by noting that your major war. It was based on a covenant of the countries work is through committees, then sub committees joining NATO. Now, the new mission that we and a lot of research goes into it. I would very are finding out is the outreach to rest of the much like to know whether it is available on your world. Is NATO now trying to move from a mutual web or how best we can avail from the research defence arrangement to a global policing system that you are doing and some kind of a link could and, then, are we not stepping on the toes of be built between our Committee and your the UN, which emerged as an institution to research work on security issues. ensure global peace and security? I think, this is a very important legal, political and defence There are three questions for my education. But security dimension to that issue that has to be I would like to say something about the issues faced. It is very important that even if it is involved also. You have said probably very developmental or social help outreach, not

33 Pakistan and NATO seriously. The issue was not merely “If Iran is targeted, the people of development. Development was done under Pakistan and the Muslim world, I am imperialist and colonial regimes also. The issue sure, would regard that as a war is independence, of liberty, of sovereignty, of the right of the people to run their country against Pakistan and the Muslim according to their own rights and to have their world and not merely Iran.” own leadership. No leadership change, regime (Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmed) change, dictated by outsiders whoever that may be. So, I think, that is a very important issue and military which is there in Afghanistan, your basic you cannot resolve the Afghan issue unless you concept was mutuality that is, you operate where realize this and do not commit the mistake which the constituents agree that you should operate. was made by the British, by the Russians and Now, you are reaching the countries which are now by Americans and unfortunately, NATO not part of that mutual system. So, I think, this also as their collaborator in that. is an issue that has to be tackled carefully. I would very quickly also say that the issue of Now about Afghanistan. I would very humbly Iran is very important to us and the way Iran is submit that in the view of Afghan people they now being focused, we regard it to be a part of have become a victim of Pakistan and of the a global design to penalize these regimes, these Muslim world. I would like to make it very clear countries, to have access to the resources, the that the thinking and feeling of the people on energy and the economy which we have been the streets and of the governments, may not talking about. And if Iran is targeted, the people converge and is not converging. And do not pay of Pakistan and the Muslim world, I am sure, too much importance to the government position would regard that as a war against Pakistan and also. Try to look into the hearts and minds of the Muslim world and not merely Iran. So I think the people and their feelings, and from that this issue must be taken very seriously. viewpoint we feel that 9/11 was a universal calamity, an act which outraged all civilized And finally about Kashmir. I would say that the people of all faiths and countries as that has European Parliament did consider it in the past been used to punish Afghanistan, Taliban and and described that to be the most beautiful prison to bring about a regime change. And very strong in the world. As you are becoming interested in reservations have been made about who were this region, the issue of Kashmir is extremely responsible for 9/11. Even the 9/11 Commission important. It is not a question of land or territory report does not throw any light on that, it just or border adjustment, it is a question of right of overlooks the real issues and yet it is being used self-determination of 15 million people and if this to unleash war of terror on people in Afghanistan is ignored and any tampering is done, that is not and then escalation to Iraq and now we don’t going to resolve the issue. People resort to know Iran and what else. You have to look violence when democratic, peaceful processes towards feelings of the people and from that for change are not there. If we ensure that, and viewpoint, I think, the people of Afghanistan now if we are prepared to adhere to rules of the game regard the presence of US and NATO forces as and allow democratic processes to operate, I occupying forces and the protests in Kabul are am confident the violence can be contained. an indicator of that. You have to take it more Thank you very much.

34 Pakistan and NATO “all countries have the right to preserve and protect their freedom and their independence but whenever Muslims try to preserve and protect their independence this becomes an issue of terrorism in the eyes of some. Why can’t NATO define terrorism? That will help matters if they can differentiate between terrorism and genuine national liberation movements.” (Senator Maulana Sami-ul-Haq)

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Thank you Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmad. Now, Senator “One of the key things that you need Nisar Ahmad Memon, Chairman, Defence to understand is that Pakistan’s Committee, who is threatening to answer your security concerns are serious due questions about what can we do more. to Afghanistan situation. Pakistan had a very stable North West Senator Nisar A. Memon: I welcome the delegation again. I think many of the things that Frontier Province in the past but one would like you to respond to are mentioned that is not the case today.” in a paper that I have distributed to all of you. (Senator Nisar A. Memon) So, you could probably cover what has not been covered. One of the key things that you need to Bush to bring democracy to Afghanistan, has understand is that Pakistan’s security concerns very serious concern for Pakistan because Indian are serious due to Afghanistan situation. Pakistan presence and their Consulates and Information had a very stable North West Frontier Province Centers are a concern to Pakistan, in terms of in the past but that is not the case today. The activities that may be going on from that side in rapprochement with India, as the Chairman said, tacit support by India, particularly on our Western is going on, but I would like to add to that. While border. We have two major provinces; one is we have rapprochement with India, the the North West Frontier Province and the other dimensions of asking India by the US President is Balochistan. In Balochistan, we have

35 Pakistan and NATO something like twenty thousands people crossing protecting its sovereignty and integrity, which I the Chaman border everyday and we, in fact, think, the armed forces of Pakistan are capable have installed a biometric screening system to protect. We are a very responsible nuclear there for identification purposes. However, you state and we have ensured that our conventional must understand that any person coming with forces are deployed in a manner to ensure the some other motive, other than the fundamentalist sovereignty and integrity of the country and this Islamic view that they may be holding, is a major was proved even in 2002 when India had threat to us from the north western border. And amassed about one million troops on our borders on the western side, I agree with Prof. Khurshid with possible intensions but thank God, they did that we have a concern that if and when the US not proceed, otherwise it would have been a decides to attack Iran it will bring in a destabilizing different situation. factor on our hitherto stable borders with Iran. For all these 59 years, we never fought a war So, I would say what can we do more? I would with Iran. We never had a problem on the border say that No.1; we have started fencing the with Iran. So, it will not be because of Pakistan Durand Line that is around 1600 to 1700 and Iran but the international dimension that will kilometers border with Afghanistan – something which India did in Kashmir. I think, that should be supported and we should work together to “The first NATO military engagement ensure that this border is made less porous than was not in Afghanistan, it was to what it is today. And you must also understand stop the slaughter of Muslims in that Pakistan Army has gone into areas Bosnia by orthodox Christians. previously not reached and is involved in the Europe hates NATO because of that construction of roads, schools, water supply schemes and health facilities in the tribal areas. and I had to tell the orthodox This kind of a thing should be supported. So, I Christians, I am sorry to defend the would say that you can extend support to the European Muslims, NATO must kill fencing of the border and also to make this and bombard, so there was no more border less porous and to ensure that India is introduction of religion in our debate. restricted to its own role and nothing more than that. If we make it a religious question, we are all finished.” Finally, you talked about rebuilding Afghanistan. (Karl A. Lamers) Education of women, building of roads and bridges by NATO are all positive steps and we appreciate that but I think what you really need add destabilizing factor on our border with Iran, to do is to ensure that the writ of Kabul which is the western border that we talk of. Government is extended to the whole of Afghanistan because if there is no writ of the On the north, we have a very stable border with Afghan government in their own territory then China, a very friendly country. So, the only the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan pipeline concern that has been expressed by the and other projects will hang in a balance. So, Chairman, and I will add to that, is one needs what you could do is to strengthen the Afghan to understand that Pakistan is only looking for Government, which will be a help to us. And

36 Pakistan and NATO there is also a need for an exit strategy for NATO and ISAF forces because you cannot go on “In March, 1992 when Mr. Manfred continuously in that country. I am not saying that Warner, NATO Secretary General you show irresponsible behaviour like the United went to see Pope Alexix II, the States did, when they came to Afghanistan, Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox pushed out the Taliban and left for another war theater in Iraq. I am not saying that you will do Church, both issued a statement after this but I think you need to have an exit strategy the breakup of Soviet Union, because the region has to live by itself. Borders expressing concern at the must be defended by each other. Afghan resurgence of religion in Central Asia, Government has a big role to ensure that poppy which is Islamic region, whereas they cultivation is totally eliminated. They have the responsibility to ensure their presence in areas welcomed the resurgence of religion dominated by Northern Alliance and they should in the European land mass of the have a positive behavior towards Pakistan and former Soviet Union. So, we have not issue irresponsible statements that we hear never introduced religion, it was done from time to time. by others, even Poland. For us, it is I have just received, while I was coming here to not an issue of religion; it is an issue this meeting, a letter which I thought I will share of politics and policies.” with you, which is very much what you talked (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed) about, Mr. Chairman. It is written interestingly in English and this is a gentleman, who has Mushahid Hussain Sayed: One last intervention introduced himself as a Pukhtun. He is from from our side. Thank you, Senator Nisar Memon. Mohammad Zai Tribe and is living somewhere close to Peshawar and he seems to have read Mr. Karl A. Lamers: Can I share a point of my statement and has responded. He is saying information? that there are two options for the international community and Pakistan to ensure that the Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Yes. refugees go back, the refugees that you have mentioned. One, he has said that collect detailed Mr. Karl A. Lamers: The first NATO military data quietly on both the sides because the engagement was not in Afghanistan, it was to refugees have spread in the entire area. And stop the slaughter of Muslims in Bosnia by the other thing is to help build shelters and orthodox Christians. Europe hates NATO improve socio-economic conditions in because of that and I had to tell the orthodox Afghanistan so that refugees are attracted to Christians, I am sorry to defend the European their country. I think that is what you are doing Muslims, NATO must kill and bombard, so there and I think this will help. Finally, he says that was no more introduction of religion in our debate. operation in Afghanistan should be extra soft. I If we make it a religious question, we are all thought that this is very relevant. The gentleman finished. knew that you are going to put this question and he thought that he should give me the tribal Mr. Nisar A. Memon: I think I did not introduce perspective. a religious question on my part.

37 Pakistan and NATO Prof. Khurshid Ahmad: NATO was there after are very impressed with your contributions during 200,000 people were massacred. We witnessed the earthquake. They had positive fallout. As a silent spectators and then only something student, I would like to ask a couple of questions involved them. because I do not know the facts and figures. NATO was actually formed to stop Soviet “Peace cannot be brought by force imperialism and Soviet aggression but after the because human beings need freedom. breakup of the Soviet empire, what is the need to keep NATO as it is? I understand that once So, every effort should be made to NATO Secretary General was asked that what have discussions with the various is the purpose of retaining NATO after the fighting groups in Afghanistan.” breakup of the Soviet Union and I believe he (Senator Talha Mahmood) said that one of the big issues today is Islam.

Mushahid Hussain Sayed: I do not think so, Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Let me correct this, because the issue is not religion. Issue is politics it was 1995, Willy Claes, who was a Belgian, and policies. I would add for your kind information said that. This was unfortunate misstatement because I was a journalist before I joined politics. because Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance In March, 1992 when Mr. Manfred Warner, NATO and harmony. Secretary General went to see Pope Alexix II, the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq: There is a perception both issued a statement after the breakup of among some Muslims and oppressed people Soviet Union, expressing concern at the that after the break up of Soviet Union, NATO resurgence of religion in Central Asia, which is is trying to promote and protect the interests of Islamic region, whereas they welcomed the the sole remaining super power. And like the resurgence of religion in the European land mass U.N. and Security Council, it is becoming a of the former Soviet Union. So, we have never subsidiary organ of the United States foreign introduced religion, it was done by others, even policy. The second point is that all countries Poland. For us, it is not an issue of religion; it is have the right to preserve and protect their an issue of politics and policies. For me as a freedom and their independence but whenever Muslim my faith would be incomplete without a Muslims try to preserve and protect their belief in the Holy Prophet Jesus (peace be upon independence this becomes an issue of terrorism him) and the Holy Prophet Moses (peace be in the eyes of some. Why can’t NATO define upon him). terrorism? That will help matters if they can differentiate between terrorism and genuine Senator Maulana Sami-ul-Haq has a very brief national liberation movements. Finally, I would comment. He will speak in Urdu and I will do the say that the situation in Afghanistan is translation for him. He is a good friend and don’t deteriorating and war is not the answer to the be scared of his attire. I call him a friendly problems of Afghanistan. NATO can play a very fundamentalist. positive and an effective role in that.

Maulana Sami-ul-Haq: In the name of the Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Thank you. Last Almighty, the most Compassionate and the most speaker from our side is opposition Senator Merciful. As the Chairman has mentioned, we Talha Mahmood.

38 Pakistan and NATO Talha Mahmood: Bismilla hir-Rahman-ir-Rahim. Due to our support against terrorism, we have First of all, I whole heartedly welcome the faced so many problems and I want to mention honourable delegation of NATO Parliamentary these problems. Suicide bombing in Pakistan Assembly. I am also thankful to all of you for has started which was not there before. There giving me a chance to speak to you. is strong opposition faced by the government for cooperating with allied forces in Afghanistan. As Mr. Mushahid said in my introduction that I am from Opposition party of MMA, taking this People in the tribal areas who are patriot people opportunity, I would like to give some of my became our enemy and are angry with us. In views. We know that US-NATO and allied forces the past, these people defended our western are in Afghanistan for the last five years to bring border from outside forces and we had no need about peace and stability in Afghanistan. As we to deploy any troop there but now Pakistan has all know that Pakistan has supported the world deployed more than 80,000 of its troops along

“your visit will contribute to a better understanding of the situation in the region, a better understanding of Pakistan’s perspective, Pakistan’s role and Pakistan’s contribution.” (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed) community in every area of the world to maintain the 1500 Kilometer border with Afghanistan and peace, security and development. Everyone incurring huge expenditure in this respect. knows Pakistan’s role in bringing peace to Compared to foreign forces in Afghanistan, Afghanistan and its cooperation with allied forces Pakistan has deployed twice as many troops and Afghan Government. Although Pakistan had and suffered thrice as many casualties, to pay a heavy price for this cooperation and numbering more than 800 soldiers. Due to our still it is paying, Pakistan has always stood by cooperation, Pakistan is facing many problems. the war on terrorism like a major supporter and Inside our country, our people are being killed is giving its full support to allied forces to make in suicide bombing and unemployment is on the Afghanistan a happy, peaceful and secure rise and increasing dangerously. Foreign country. investors are now afraid to invest here due to

39 Pakistan and NATO the prevailing uncertain situation. Our country even land in Afghanistan and cause troublesome was already under heavy debt, has become situation for Pakistan. On the other hand, the more indebted because of the cost incurred due West and the USA are still suspicious of to cooperation in Afghanistan. Tourists are Pakistan’s role despite the fact that having very reluctant to visit Pakistan because of the current limited sources we extended cooperation on situation and our tourism department is almost Afghanistan and the war against terrorism and finished. I would like to mention here that all we are not being given the response and these terrorist forces, which are considered a encouragement which we deserve. I would like threat today, were mainly the creation of the US to mention that Pakistan is taking all possible for the war against USSR. These people, who measures to root out terrorism. On the other are called Taliban, were major allies of the US. hand, our problems remain the same. Kashmir At that time, they were considered Mujahideen dispute is at the same stage and no international and now they have risen against the US and support and effort to solve this issue is being are labeled as terrorists. After the war against provided, although if the international super USSR when the required result was achieved, powers want to solve this issue, it can be solved the US left the people of Afghanistan in miserable within days. Baglihar Dam dispute with India situation, as our Chairman said. At that time, which, according to neutral expert, is not Pakistan had to handle a large number of three constructed according to the Indus Basin Treaty, million Afghan refugees in spite of our status as still awaits solution. a developing country. I also have some questions in mind. No.1: the “You have asked us about the exit allied forces are in Afghanistan for the last five strategy. Well, the exit strategy is to years and still they could not establish peace and security inside that country. Why? No.2: have the Afghan police and Afghan poppy cultivation, which was eradicated in forces being able to give complete Afghanistan, has increased enormously and the security to the Afghan society and production is about more than 80% of the total the sooner it happens the better but world demand at the present. Why is this problem we know that we are not there yet. not being addressed? No3: Afghan refugees in different countries are reluctant to go back to So, we are prepared to stay there their homeland due to the uncertain and insecure for the long course.” situation of their country. Business situation in (Jan Petersen, VP, NATO PA.) Afghanistan is very bad and the people are living a miserable life inside the country. The question Pakistan is the main country which helped USA is that if we had made all the effort by force then and NATO in its war against terrorism in what is the solution? In my personal opinion, Afghanistan. It supplied all kinds of logistic instead of using forces and ammunition in support, which was then necessary for the foreign Afghanistan the way forward is table talks and forces. That help is still going on despite the fact discussion, which should be started immediately. that Pakistan is being blamed time and again In my opinion, peace cannot be brought by force for not giving sufficient and enough support. Had because human beings need freedom. So, every Pakistan not supported NATO at that time, it effort should be made to have discussions with would have been impossible for the latter to the various fighting groups in Afghanistan.

40 Pakistan and NATO Taking this opportunity, I would also like to mention that my affiliation is with MMA, which “Whether we share the faith or not is wrongly considered a conservative party. We but the religion in itself, is part of our are a very positive thinking people and it can be identity, the heritage and the cultural seen that our government in NWFP is working background. So, we need to very successfully since the last four years and we are also the main allies in Balochistan understand that kind of thinking and government. We are always putting our efforts simply also to urge, I like to see where for peace in the world and assure our cooperation religion and faith ends and where in this respect at every forum, and secondly, I politics begin. That is very important am not a Maulana, I am without a beard and I because sometimes you think that am from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and we are liberal people and we can talk and we can solve these religion is more important, but being problems and we can help you Insha’Allah. So, a part of our heritage and part of our when you talk to us and you have our opinion identity, it is important simply to then your minds will be cleared Insha’Allah. understand the kind of thinking we Thank you very much. have. That is why, I think this kind of Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Thank you very dialogue is vitally important.” much. The lady has one last question. Actually (Jan Petersen, VP, NATO PA.) we thought the meeting would start at 11 o’ clock but it started late as half an hour was taken by Mr. Jan Petersen: Thank you very much. This the Foreign Office. She just has a question. is really a challenge. It will be impossible to answer all your questions in 10 to 15 minutes Mrs. Gulshan Saeed: I totally agree with but anyway, I’ll start and then may be we can whatever has been said by my colleagues. My just continue. Let me just give you a few question is that if USA attacks Iran, will your perspectives and perhaps start with the basics. countries be partners in that war? The second You asked about NATO Parliamentary Assembly question is, are you successful in Afghanistan? and I should perhaps start with saying a few What are your achievements? I presume you words about it. It is an independent body but we are peace loving countries, therefore, you would carried the name, NATO Parliamentary respond to these. Thank you very much. Assembly. This does not mean that we are part of NATO system but we are very close to NATO Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Oh! You have very and more or less deal with the same kind of good questions. Sir, it’s open to you. issues. So, that means security, defence and foreign policy issues but we are all members of Mr. Karl A. Lamers: Thank you very much. I our own national parliaments and we are all have only one remark. It is sometime very difficult elected by our parliaments to the Assembly and in Germany, as a country, to say who is if you ask why we think our work is worthwhile, conservative and who is progressive. I will ask is simply that we are creating a kind of network Jan Petersen, Vice President of the Assembly of parliamentarians in NATO countries dealing to answer your questions, please. with security, foreign and defence issues, which means that we are well-equipped for that job

41 Pakistan and NATO “It was a great discussion and let me say something that I think is for the whole delegation. I hope that it is a beginning of cooperation, of discussion between us and your Committee and our Political Committee of NATO Parliament. I think it was such inspiring that we should continue.” (Karl A. Lamers)

back home in our own parliaments. I think, what and different parties which means that you will we learn from the network we have in NATO find a lot of different views within the organization. Parliamentary Assembly is valuable for us back We adopted Resolutions. You will find NPA home and on a personal note I give you my declarations but you will find diversity of opinions experience. I have served in this Assembly since within this group and within the Assembly. 1987 and what I learnt in the Assembly was, in fact, quite important to me when I later became Then to NATO; to give you some background. the Foreign Minister of Norway. The view of the My country is a neighbouring country to Russia people is valuable. The important work is what and was a neighbouring country to the Soviet we do back home and, from time to time, we Union. Now, we share a common border with meet with NATO Council. We have speakers Russia and obviously NATO was there to counter from NATO, so we exchange views but I would threat from the Soviet Union and give us security say that the important point is our work back and it worked wonderfully in the Cold War years. home but the network is incredibly important. It Another question is when the Soviet Union was is a NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA) dissolved, why we didn’t dissolve NATO? contact that we are here, for example, which will Actually, the experience we have from the last give us a lot of experience and I have lots of century is that the real fundamental views to take back home. developments were not foreseen even close to those events. I mean there were very few people You asked about France. Well, actually I think in run up to the first and the second World War, you need a Frenchman to answer that question, who really predicted that we will have world so I will pass it to a Frenchman. But one very wars. The same with the dissolution of the Soviet important point; we come from different countries Union; very few people really thought that the

42 Pakistan and NATO Soviet Union would collapse and it still happened. help them bring security so that they could This means that there are limits as to how far provide services to the people; and second, this into the future we can see, in spite of all the was mandated by the United Nations Security historians and experts we have. History is bound Council, but I have been quite clear on that; we to give us some surprises and the experience do not want NATO to be in the kind of global we have from NATO is that this has served us policing, but we were asked to go there and we well. It is a community of shared values, so even might be asked to go somewhere in the future. if we don’t have any threat of being invaded by One area where we might make a minor anyone, I mean why don’t we keep it because contribution is in Darfur but that will only be a this is something, it will take a long time to build but it has served us well and the fact that after the dissolution of the Soviet Union a lot of new “I don’t believe that there will ever countries wanted to join, is simply proof that this be an American attack on Iran is seen to be something very valuable. The fact because I don’t think it is militarily that the Soviet Union is no longer there and no possible to achieve what you would longer threatening us does not mean that we like to achieve.” even today have threats, but they are different. (Jan Petersen, VP, NATO PA.) There is threat from weapons of mass destruction, from terrorism, things like that, and problems in any part of the world are bound to minor contribution on logistics and things like affect us in some ways. I mean we see, for that. But you rightly put the question, is this any example, refugees coming because of the kind of competition with the United Nations and problems in Africa and which means that we my answer is ‘no’, it is not. The UN will have two need to go there to solve the fundamental very important tasks. One is to give, I mean, the problems to avoid them affecting us in the long legal basis for whatever we do, I mean what we run and that is why NATO now, is beyond its do should have a sound basis in International original area. Law and that means either a UN Security Council Resolution or request by the host Government. As was pointed out, Afghanistan was not the I mean, those are perhaps two most important first mission. The first mission was in the Balkans points and those both of them are what we have and just to remind you of the history of the in Afghanistan; request from the Government Balkans. We set there for a long time, seeing and the UN Security Council Resolution. When them killing each other, fighting each other and we have the legal foundation then we can the United State was rather reluctant to go into consider a NATO contribution. Even that very it. As our colleague, Secretary James Baker has small training mission in Iraq has sound legal said, we have no dog in that fight. The UN was basis because there are UN Resolutions calling not able to be up to the challenge and we saw for international help in stabilizing Iraq. I mean people were killed everyday and then we the invasion in March, 2003 was not a NATO decided, okay, enough is enough, we need to mission but after that was completed. Then a stop this and we did and I think that was a couple of months after, you had the UN Security blessing and that was our first engagement. The Council Resolution calling for external help for recent worry in Afghanistan is twofold; one, we stabilizing Iraq and that is why NATO could go were requested by the Afghan Government to in because of legal foundation.

43 Pakistan and NATO Mrs. Gulshan Saeed: I mean it has proved that them out when the legal foundation is all right the war in Iraq was illegal as you could not find and that is what is happening. any weapons of mass destruction, which could have threatened world peace. Then on 9/11, I think, we all recognize what that was. That was an act of terrorism but we need to remind ourselves that this was not the first. “…given your strong position on that We had an attack in World Trade Centre in 1993. (Iran), my question would be; do you We had bombings on our embassies in the late have also strong position on what 90s. We have had few other incidents after that. The US and the West did not really respond to kind of message would you send if those first attacks in a tangible way. I mean you Iranian people confront you, having had the few missiles sent by President Clinton in mind that people in our countries but that was not really a serious counter attack are concerned about what is going and incidents contained. My point is that even on in Iran on the wordings, on the if we did, I mean counter that effectively, we still had the 9/11 and that meant that the strategy politics, and very sorry to say, which had been adopted up to then was not aggressive politics towards Western working. We need to do something more tangible civilization. It concerns us, do you which I think is important then. In the conflict of agree? And what would be your Afghanistan, what we want to achieve is that Al- message to help to stop or to change Qaeda should be denied the territory that they have and that is what the government of such politics in Iran, you as a country Afghanistan is trying to do. You have asked us which is dealing with NATO and about the exit strategy. Well, the exit strategy is understanding what military to have the Afghan police and Afghan forces security mean.” being able to give complete security to the Afghan (Mrs. Rasa Jukneviciene) society and the sooner it happens the better but we know that we are not there yet. So, we are prepared to stay there for the long course. Mr. Jan Petersen: Yes, but that is not my point; I mean there was no UN Security Council There are lots of other issues which I should not Resolution for what American did. My point is touch upon but I just want to take one issue that NATO always has a sound legal basis for because you started debating the relationship what NATO is doing but we can’t be everywhere. between the Muslim world and other religions Then the question is, when you have this sound and things like that. I might have a slightly legal basis? Sometimes, it is worthwhile that different take on this, but as all Parliamentarians NATO is doing the job, sometimes the E.U. may we wear a lot of different hats. One of my other do the job and sometimes the United Nations hat is to be a member of C-100, in the World might do the job on the ground. But you have to Economic Forum, which is set up to have a realize that now we have more troops under the dialogue between the Muslim world and the UN, I mean operated by the UN than ever before West and I think that is vitally important. Simply, in history and the UN is now over burdened. So, we do understand the kind of thinking on both they need NATO and they need the E.U. to help sides. Not that it should be religious dialogue.

44 Pakistan and NATO Well, that is important in itself but it is also similar reaction in the Gulf countries. I mean important to recognize that religion. Whether we many Arab countries have started to worry and share the faith or not but the religion in itself, is the question is do we want to be on the slippery part of our identity, the heritage and the cultural slope because we will have a lot of countries background. So, we need to understand that going nuclear and that is bound to lead to disaster kind of thinking and simply also to urge, I like to sooner or later. You can manage it. Your country see where religion and faith ends and where is one of the countries having nuclear weapons politics begin. That is very important because but not the whole world as such. Ok, this should sometimes you think that religion is more be enough. important, but being a part of our heritage and part of our identity, it is important simply to “We welcome civilized dialogue from understand the kind of thinking we have. That everybody and do not like is why, I think this kind of dialogue is vitally confrontational rhetoric whether it important. comes from Ahmadinejad or Bush or Then just one point on Iran, I mean Iran is really Washington.” worrying us. I don’t believe that there will ever (Prof. Khurshid Ahmad) be an American attack on Iran because I don’t think it is militarily possible to achieve what you Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Thank you Mr. would like to achieve. It is a way too big but the Petersen. fact that they are developing nuclear programme, it might go in different directions. They are not Mr. Karl A. Lamers: I think it will get the Foreign only developing the nuclear programme, they Minister going. Now, I would like to give an are also developing a missile programme and opportunity to the Head of the Lithuanian why do they develop a missile programme? And delegation. After that Rasa you claimed to be you see what is happening in the Gulf countries. Chairman, and then our friend from Bulgaria, They start talking about nuclear power in the Mr. Nikolai Kamov, and then we have to end civilian way but we all know what that will mean. this very, very interesting discussion. I would The Middle Eastern countries are deeply worried like to have more time. This is so tremendous about what is happening. So, sooner or later we and interesting thing. need to come to grips with whether we want Iran to go nuclear or not, and we do not have Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Maulana Sami-ul- much time. Haq is saying that he hoped what Mr. Willy Claes said in 1995, will not be policy right now in 2007. Prof. Khurshid Ahmad: We all know that Israel has developed nuclear weapons. Mrs. Rasa Jukneviciene: Thank you very much Chair. You know that after the fifty years of Mr. Jan Petersen: No, no, no. I mean, we all Soviet occupation, my country has now become know that Israel may or may not have nuclear member of NATO and we have consensus in weapon, but Israel will not, in any way, be our country among very different political parties threatening anyone in the Middle East. It is way on this issue and we understand that it is our too small. This is just an excuse. But my point base for security and we do think and we are is that if Iran goes nuclear then you will have a sure that NATO is very important still and most

45 Pakistan and NATO important player of security in the world and, of there as part of the Soviet Army. Nobody asked course, not because of Islam, as it was their opinion. So, we have this country and today, mentioned here. No Lithuanian thinks so. We we are leading one party in Tatran province and know that countries around Lithuania, some our main issue goes, in terms of security, in the countries in the East are still unpredictable and vote. Soviet Union is dissolved. Now Soviet Union is no more but the situation in Russia concerns us What we can do? Not a very rich country but because of the problems they have and it is not new comer in NATO. So, our Parliament is also a democratic country yet, unfortunately. supporting and we are trying to do the best and we understand very well that what it means to My leader did a short comment on Afghanistan. change the country, to reform the country, I had the possibility to visit that country and I because I have to say that two years after we observed the parliamentary election 1•'bd years regained independence in 1990, many people

“We, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Pakistan have extended an invitation to the Afghan Parliamentarians to visit Pakistan. We also want to initiate a bilateral Afghanistan-Pakistan dialogue and also a tripartite dialogue between the Parliamentarians of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan because we feel Iran also has a commitment to the region and you cannot exclude neighbours of Afghanistan.” (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

ago and I have to underline and stress that were disappointed and, up till now, we have Lithuania is a small country in Europe. We are many people disappointed, not majority but some very much engaged and we are looking very of them, because of reforms, because reforms carefully to what is going on because you know are not easy to do. When I see now the situation that we were occupied by the Soviet Union and in Afghanistan comparing with our situation, I so was Afghanistan and, at that time, very many understand the feelings of the people; they may young Lithuanian people were killed in be expecting change overnight but I know how Afghanistan because they were forced to go difficult it is to do so overnight. And my question

46 Pakistan and NATO would be very short one, and last comment on soldiers to Afghanistan. I can assure you, a few Iran. people are happy about this but we must fulfill our duty. We would like to be helpful and that is Thank you very much for the very frank message why I think that our mission can be helpful. This you sent to us about your opinion on possible is what we want but Pakistan can also play a attack on Iran. I also don’t believe there would decisive role. You know better because you are be an attack on Iran. But if there is and given neighbours. What we need to see is that your strong position on that, my question would Afghanistan is stable, the government is stable be; do you have also strong position on what and I think that by your joining our efforts we kind of message would you send if Iranian people can achieve much more than if it is not the case. confront you, having in mind that people in our Thank you very much, once again. countries are concerned about what is going on in Iran on the wordings, on the politics, and very Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Thank you. sorry to say, aggressive politics towards Western civilization. It concerns us, do you agree? And Prof. Khurshid Ahmad: We welcome civilized what would be your message to help to stop or dialogue from everybody and do not like to change such politics in Iran, you as a country confrontational rhetoric whether it comes from which is dealing with NATO and understanding Ahmadinejad or Bush or Washington. what military security mean. Thank you very much. Mr. Karl A. Lamers: Mr. Senator it is most difficult task to find exit strategy even of this Mr. Karl A. Lamers: Thank you very much, last meeting. is Mr. Kamov. Mushahid Hussain Sayed: we have two doors. Mr. Nikolai Kamov: Thank you Chairman. Bulgaria is also new comer to NATO. We asked Mr. Karl A. Lamers: But it is our responsibility for this and we applied for this, first because this to do this. On behalf of our delegation, I say, is a matter of common values, then, it was thank you very much. It was a great discussion impossible to find any other solution on very and let me say something that I think is for the important issue of national security. It is already whole delegation. I hope that it is a beginning mentioned, the location of the countries on of cooperation, of discussion between us and Balkan Peninsula, too much history for a small your Committee and our Political Committee of piece of land. We still have enormous questions NATO Parliament. I think it was such inspiring on Kosovo and others like this. But I would like that we should continue. to say some words about the situation here. Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Absolutely. First of all, thank you very much for your hospitality and warm welcome. Forty years ago, Mr. Karl A. Lamers: And so let me close. Peace I spent three years in Kabul in Afghanistan. My must be the masterpiece of region. I hope that father was ambassador when Muhammad Zahir we all follow this. Thank you very much. Shah was King of that country and, of course, all of us would like to see that country stable Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Thank you very politically and economically. Bulgaria sent its much; you are a philosopher, Mr. Lamers.

47 Pakistan and NATO Pakistan Parliamentary Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session

Madeira, Portugal, 25-28 May, 2007

Selected Proceedings

Plenary Session. Opening Speech by the President, NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Address to the Plenary Session by NATO Secretary General. Q & A Session. Consideration of various draft Reports by the Committees.

Draft Report: “Pakistan: a Crucial Player for Stabilization in the Region” by the Sub-Committee on NATO Partnerships. Draft General Report: “Afghanistan and NATO’s Ongoing Transformation”. Draft Report: “Five Years into the ‘War on Terrorism’: Impact and Implications for the Transatlantic Alliance” by the Sub-Committee on Transatlantic Relations.

Observations on the Report made by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed. Draft General Report: “Afghanistan: Assessing Progress and Key Challenges for the Alliance”, presented to the Defence and Security Committee.

Meetings with NATO Leadership. Pakistan Parliamentary Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session Madeira, Portugal, 25-28 May, 2007

SELECTED PROCEEDINGS

A Parliamentary delegation from Pakistan visited Portugal to participate in NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session held in Madeira Island, Portugal, on 25-28 May, 2007. The delegation comprised of the following members of Parliament:

1. Senator Mohammedmian Soomro Leader of the delegation Chairman, Senate of Pakistan

2. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

3. Senator Ms. Semeen Yusuf Siddiqui

4. Senator Muhammad Ali Brohi Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing & Works

5. Ms. Gul-e-Farkhanda Member, National Assembly of Pakistan

6. Mr. Khalid Iqbal Memon Member, National Assembly of Pakistan

The Afghanistan delegation was led by Mr. Mohammad Khalid Pashtun. NATO Parliamentary Assembly had invited Pakistan and Afghanistan to its Parliamentary Session as observers after its delegations visited the two countries this year earlier. This was the first time ever that Parliamentary delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan attended NATO Parliamentary Session which was open to only its members and associate members.

Plenary Session: The Plenary Session was addressed by the President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Jose Lello, (Portugal), Secretary General NATO, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Luis Amado who represented the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr. Jose Socrates.

51 Pakistan and NATO Mr. Jose Lello, President of NATO PA: The President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, “we should stop being critical of Mr. Jose Lello, who is a prominent Portuguese Pakistan as part of the problem. Parliamentarian, in his opening speech at the Pakistan is part of the solution. Plenary Session, spoke about the challenges Pakistan had made crucial NATO was currently facing. Afghanistan remained a priority. It was extremely important contributions towards stability in for NATO to live up to its new role. The US Afghanistan and in the campaign Missile Defence System plan had led to a debate against terrorism. Pakistan can do and this issue required discussion as it was a more. Everybody should do more – question of collective defence, he stated. Pakistan, Afghanistan, NATO”. Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary (Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, General: In his address at the Plenary Session, NATO Secretary General) Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, the Secretary General of NATO expressed optimism about train the Afghan Army but Afghanistan needed NATO’s chances of success in Afghanistan. He many more troop contributions from member stated that several thousand ISAF and NATO countries. To be able to pursue a comprehensive troops were in place, NATO was equipped to approach that included development and

Chairman Senate Mohammedmian Soomro meeting Mr. Carl A. Lamers, Vice President & Chairman, Political Committee of NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed (right) and Mr. Danis MacShane MP (Labour) UK (left) are also present.

52 Pakistan and NATO reconstruction demanded a new level of cooperation among nations. NATO could and “Pakistan was considered a part of was creating an environment for development problem but it was, in fact, a partner in Afghanistan to enable the G-8 and other in the solution. Therefore, we should countries to start reconstruction in Afghanistan. He urged NATO member countries to renew the expand our cooperation as much as mandate for force contributions. NATO was we can with Pakistan for addressing making progress and the spirit of solidarity should issues and problems in that be maintained. He warned that reconstruction particular area. Pakistan was doing of Afghanistan could not take place if ISAF and a lot to address the problems faced NATO did not succeed in ensuring stability as it was in an environment of peace and security by the two countries and it was too that more civilian activity and development could easy to criticize but Pakistan had be pursued in Afghanistan. If Afghanistan once made positive contributions and their again becomes a “black hole” as it was under efforts should be acknowledged and the Taliban, “we would lose more than just appreciated for securing peace and Afghanistan”. stability in the region.” (Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Question - Answer Session: NATO Secretary General)

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: In the Q&A he had met with the President and the Prime session, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed Minister of Pakistan and with Senator Mushahid expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for NATO’s also. His discussions in Pakistan were very assistance immediately after the devastating fruitful and constructive. He said “we should stop earthquake in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir in being critical of Pakistan as part of the problem. October, 2005. He noted that, as NATO was Pakistan is part of the solution. Pakistan had involved in missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, and now made crucial contributions towards stability in in Afghanistan, one gets the impression that Afghanistan and in the campaign against NATO was playing a different role. Its focus had terrorism. Pakistan can do more. Everybody shifted from the West to the Muslim world. The should do more – Pakistan, Afghanistan, NATO”. Senator asked the Secretary General if, in his The Secretary General further stated that Senator view, NATO had the capacity to deal sustainably Mushahid’s question was extremely fundamental. with phenomena such as terrorism. How would It was interesting to note that a majority of NATO NATO walk the “Muslim street”? How would forces were at present in the Islamic Republic NATO reach out to the Muslim world in helping of Afghanistan, and 65,000 in Kosovo. Iraq was to resolve burning issues such as the Palestinian an Islamic nation. NATO was in the Muslim world issue? because NATO believed in defending universal values. Every religion would consider universal NATO Secretary General: values of paramount importance. To be able to NATO Secretary General in response, recalled “walk the Islamic Street”, NATO must work to his visit to Pakistan in early May, 2007 where create awareness about its image. NATO was

53 Pakistan and NATO “Terrorism should not be linked to the great religion of Islam. Just as there are laws on anti Semitism, there should be laws against Islam phobia.” (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

not only a symbol of military power it had its values. When there was the question of values, political and civilian dimensions too. After its NATO would stand up for values. assistance to Pakistan in the aftermath of the earthquake, NATO was received in Pakistan Consideration of various draft with lesser apprehensions. NATO stood for Reports by the Committees: The Political Committee on May 26, 2007 To be able to walk the “Islamic considered the report on the draft General Street”, NATO must work to create Report, “Afghanistan and NATO’s Ongoing awareness about its image. NATO Transformation” presented by the Rapporteur, Mr. Raynell Andreychuk (Canada) and the draft was not only a symbol of military Report of the Sub-Committee on NATO power it had its political and civilian Partnerships, “Pakistan: a Crucial Player for dimensions too. After its assistance Stabilization in the Region” by its Rapporteur to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mr. Bart van Winsen (Netherlands). In addition, earthquake, NATO was received in the draft report on “Five years into the ‘War of Terrorism’: Impact and Implications for the Pakistan with lesser apprehensions. Transatlantic Alliance” by Ruprecht Polenz NATO stood for values. When there (Germany) was also considered in the Political was the question of values, NATO Committee. The Defence and Security would stand up for values. Committee discussed the draft report on (Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, “Afghanistan, Assessing Progress and Key NATO Secretary General) Challenges for the Alliance” by Mr. Frank Cook (UK).

54 Pakistan and NATO “Pakistan: a crucial Player for Stabilization in the Region”

Draft Report of the Sub-Committe on NATO Partnerships

presented by Rapporteur Mr. Bart van Winsen (Netherlands)

The report on Pakistan, in its Introductory Para, and NATO as an organization, should engage recounts Pakistan’s meaningful contribution in fully with Pakistan. fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda. It notes that Pakistan’s contribution on Afghanistan’s stability The report recalls the various measures taken have not received the recognition they deserved. by Pakistan to secure the border with But Pakistan can do more to help stabilize its Afghanistan. It takes note of the Pakistan north-west borders. To that end, NATO Allies President’s concern that Afghanistan was trying

A group photo with Mr. Carl A. Lamers, Chairman of the Political Committee of NATO Parliament and Vice President, NATO PA.

55 Pakistan and NATO In its ‘Conclusion’ the report stresses the need MacShane supported Pakistan’s to recognize Islamabad’s role and contribution to the security of Afghanistan and enhance efforts to help stabilize the situation Pakistan’s capacity to do more, build a long- in Afghanistan recalling that term partnership with Pakistan if NATO wants whatever happened in Afghanistan to effectively address the stabilization of and Pakistan in the 1980s was the Afghanistan and to defeat the Taliban and result of “a monster” that the West international terrorist groups, engage in a political dialogue with Islamabad and provide technical helped to create which has turned assistance to monitor better the border crossings, around on them. He also strongly establish a dialogue with Pakistani authorities advocated harder efforts to find a concerning proliferation of WMD by inviting solution of the Kashmir dispute Pakistan’s participation in NATO organized which he said was a burning point seminars on the subject. The report however, remarks that NATO-Pakistan engagement must for the Muslims of the world. not be seen to be directed against India. (Danis MacShane, MP(Labour), UK) Finally, it states that Pakistan certainly, has a responsibility and a strong self-interest to help to place the blame for its own failure on Pakistan, Afghanistan, but it is the international community and, in fact, the lack of comprehensive that is collectively responsible for defeating reconstruction efforts, shortcomings in national terrorism and curbing militant activities inside reconciliation and the nexus between drugs and Afghanistan. militancy compounded the security situation in Afghanistan. Under the section on “Tackling the Mr. Danis MacShane, MP(Labour), UK: Insurgency in Pakistan” the report acknowledges A number of parliamentarians from various NATO that if there are any doubts about Pakistan’s member countries participated in the ensuing position in tackling the insurgency and the discussion. The Labour Party MP from UK, Mr. stabilization of Afghanistan, it is probably related MacShane supported Pakistan’s efforts to help more to its capacity than to its commitment, as stabilize the situation in Afghanistan recalling its security situation is complex. The report that whatever happened in Afghanistan and describes “the weakness of Pakistan’s political Pakistan in the 1980s was the result of “a institutions” as the core problem. monster” that the West helped to create which has turned around on them. He also strongly Discussing “Core issues in NATO-Pakistan advocated harder efforts to find a solution of the relations”, the report recalls NATO’s relief mission Kashmir dispute which he said was a burning after the 2005 earthquake, commends Pakistan’s point for the Muslims of the world. cooperation with NATO under the Tripartite Military Commission, expresses concern over Senator Mohammedmian Soomro, Chairman, Pakistan’s “past proliferation behaviour” as being Senate of Pakistan: “very problematic”, and considers the possibility Chairman Senate, Senator Mohammedmian of terrorists access to WMD as greater in Soomro, acknowledged that for the first time in Pakistan than in other countries. the last 50 years Pakistan and India were

56 Pakistan and NATO Chairman, Senate of Pakistan, Mr. Mohammadmian Soomro and Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed in a meeting with Mr. Jose Lello, President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

strong safety controls in place to ensure non- “The nuclear weapons continue to proliferation. Pakistan was for stability in the play an essential deterrent role in region and was working to achieve those objectives. He briefly spoke about the NATO’s security and its purpose is circumstances that gave rise to Taliban and Al- to preserve peace and prevent war… Qaeda during the Soviet occupation and since The best way for us to deal with the its withdrawal from Afghanistan. Pakistan had threat of nuclear arms is to just get been paying a heavy price during the last 20 rid of them all”. years but remained committed to the security and stability of Afghanistan. Pakistan had taken (Heinz Ferkinghoff, Deputy Director, Nuclear a number of measures to control illegal border Policy Division (NPD), NATO.) crossings. However, it was collective responsibility of NATO and Afghanistan troops interacting more and more and had recently to make similar efforts to stop infiltration from begun several initiatives to improve relations. the other side. The Chairman also refuted the With reference to Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine, reference in the report about an alleged gap he underlined that Pakistan’s nuclear programme between the administration and the people by was purely defensive and that Pakistan had underlining the fact that Pakistan was

57 Pakistan and NATO Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro, Chairman Senate of Pakistan and Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed with Mr. Danis MacShane, MP(Labour) UK.

the presenter of the Report, Mr. Bart van Winsen, Rapporteur, described his discussions in “After the Cold War, the presence of Islamabad as very fruitful and constructive. NATO’s nuclear weapons was not Pakistan continued to play a key role in the justifiable and after 9/11 it had became stability in Afghanistan. This was the first ever more fashionable to threat on non- NATO report on Pakistan and NATO hoped to continue its dialogue with the country. He nuclear weapon States. This type of expressed appreciation for Mr. Soomro’s remarks nuclear proliferation was really and acknowledged that Pakistan had suffered threatening and was a matter of great enormous impact for being in the frontline. Its concern for peaceful countries.” troops causalities were more than that of the Alliance. NATO Assembly supported Pakistan’s (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed) plan for stabilization and development of the tribal areas. He acknowledged that despite experiencing a healthy process in democracy. “enormous” problems, Pakistan was going ahead He welcomed the potential for closer cooperation with its development programme in the tribal with NATO in the future. areas. He also reiterated the report’s proposals to create closer partnership with NATO and to Rapporteur, Mr. Bart van Winsen enhance public awareness about NATO’s role (Netherlands): While concluding the discussion and functions.

58 Pakistan and NATO “Afghanistan and NATO’s Ongoing Transformation”

Draft General Report presented by Rapporteur Ms. Raynell Andreychuck (Canada)

The report on “Afghanistan and NATO’s ongoing of development in FATA and the border areas Transformation” had a reference to Taliban with Afghanistan. He enumerated the various reportedly using FATA and the border region as measures that Pakistan had already taken to safe havens, and that Pakistan’s efforts to prevent make the long and difficult Pakistan-Afghan cross borders had remained unsuccessful. The border more secure. He stressed the importance report suggested more political dialogue between of international assistance to Pakistan in its NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Pakistan. efforts to ensure security of the border as well Responding to these arguments, the Chairman as in tackling insurgency. Senate stated that Pakistan had begun the task

“Five Years into the ‘War on Terrorism’ Impact and Implications for the Transatlantic Alliance”

Draft Report of the Sub-Committee on Transatlantic Relations by Rapporteur Mr. Ruprecht Polenz (Germany), presented by Mr. Assen Agov (Bulgaria), the Vice Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

The draft report of the Sub-Committee on Ruprecht Polenz (Germany) was presented by Transatlantic Relations on “Five Years into the Mr. Assen Agov (Bulgaria), the Vice Chairman ‘War on Terrorism’: Impact and Implications for of the Sub-Committee. the Transatlantic Alliance”, by Rapporteur Mr.

59 Pakistan and NATO Observations on the Report made by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed

During the discussions on the report Senator Welcoming the reference to “soft power” in Mushahid Hussain Sayed made the following the report, proposed that a Study Group be points: set up under NATO to review the strategy on the campaign against terrorism. As a frontline state against terrorism, Pakistan is playing a critical role. The Rapporteur agreed with the Senator that terrorists should not be aligned to Islam. If some The war on terror is becoming a unique terrorists were Muslim that did not mean it was battle against a borderless and faceless Islamic terrorism. He also agreed that the term enemy. It is faltering due to a number of “War on Terror” should not be used and reasons: requested the parliamentarians from NATO member countries to educate their electorate The Coalition went into Iraq without resolving and the media. Afghanistan. Thus its focus had shifted. The centre of the ‘war on terror’ lies in the Muslim world. Islam should not be seen as responsible for terrorism which is a “For the first time in the history of manifestation of evil intentions. Pakistan, a comprehensive briefing The Palestine issue should be put on the by Nuclear Command Authority of front burner. Pakistan was held for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.” The nomenclature “War on Terror” should (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed) be dropped.

Terrorism should not be linked to the great religion of Islam. Just as there are laws on anti Semitism, there should be laws against Islam phobia.

Too much emphasis on military power and means to tackle terrorism has sacrificed the respect for human life and human liberties.

60 Pakistan and NATO “Afghanistan: Assessing Progress and Key Challenges for the Alliance”

Draft General Report presented to the Defence and Security Committee by Rapporteur Mr. Frank Cook (UK)

The Defence and Security Committee on May references without any vague judgment. He 27, among other reports, also considered the underlined three factors that had contributed to draft General Report on “Afghanistan: Assessing the faltering efforts of NATO’s mission to bring Progress and Key Challenges for the Alliance”. peace to Afghanistan: The report does not have any reference to a) Earlier US reliance on warlords due to its Pakistan by name. Rapporteur Mr. Frank Cook, original decision to station a small military while introducing the report noted that the contingent in Afghanistan; situation in Afghanistan was infinitely complex. b) US military engagement in Iraq without The report attracted discussion on issues of stabilizing Afghanistan; and rotation of NATO forces within Afghanistan, c) Apparent absence of unity of command national caveats for troops by the contributing between NATO and ISAF. countries, and civilian causalities in Afghanistan. France and Italy raised the issue of a deadline He suggested that the Tripartite Commission for NATO and ISAF missions in Afghanistan. should also focus on political solution of issues Mrs. Ana Gomes, MEP from Portugal called for between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A more political and economic support to the parliamentary dialogue between the elected government of President Karzai while referring representatives from Pakistan, Afghanistan and to the E.U. decision to station ESDP police in NATO Parliamentary Assembly would be a good Afghanistan in near future. channel of communication, he proposed.

Mr. Mohammad Khalid Pashtun, MP, “Unfortunately, the message of Afghanistan: The Afghanistan Parliamentarian, NATO had not reached the streets Mr. Mohammad Khalid Pashtun, expressed of Muslim countries. Therefore, concern about the rising number of civilian deaths Public Diplomacy Division should in NATO operations and said that if such deaths forcefully take up this shortcoming occurred in self-defence it was another matter but indiscriminate shootings on the roads by and incorporate in their future NATO troops resulting in civilian causalities strategy to address the Muslim would not be supported by Afghanistan. He, resentments towards NATO policies. however, expressed full support for NATO’s They should provide factual position continued efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan. inside of this important shortcoming Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: Senator to NATO authorities and allied states Mushahid Hussain Sayed appreciated the for future policy formulations.” Rapporteur’s candid report which included factual (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

61 Pakistan and NATO “Pakistan could arrange a Conference on “NATO’s role in the region”, regarding NATO’s civilian and political role in the Muslim world.” (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

Meetings with NATO Leadership

During his stay in Madeira, on May 27, the Chairman Senate also held a meeting with Mr. Chairman Senate, Senator Mohammedmian Carl A. Lamers, Chairman Political Committee Soomro accompanied by Senator Mushahid who, as leader of the Sub-Committee of NATO Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Senate Foreign Assembly, had also visited Pakistan. He Relations Committee, held meetings with Mr. appreciated the productive discussions the Sub- Jose Lello, President of NATO Assembly and committee had in Pakistan and proposed further Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Secretary General interaction with Pakistan. Senator Mushahid of NATO. The President informed the Chairman Hussain proposed that Pakistan could arrange that NATO Parliamentary Assembly was in the a Conference on “NATO’s role in the region”, process of developing ideas to explore ways to for awareness among the Muslim world about develop future interaction with Pakistan. NATO’s civilian and political aspects.

62 Pakistan and NATO Pakistan Senate Delegation to NATO’s 8th New Parliamentarians Programme

Brussels, Belgium, 8-12 July, 2007

Selected Proceedings

Address by General John Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). NATO: A Political Overview. NATO: Operational Overview. NATO’s Nuclear Policy. NATO and the Mediterranean and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI). DCAF: Security Sector Reforms and Parliamentary Assistance. Address by NATO Secretary General. NATO’s Public Diplomacy. NATO’s Transformation and Future Challenges. Ambassadorial Round Table. Pakistan Senate Delegation to NATO’s 8th New Parliamentarians Programme

Brussels, Belgium, 8-12 July, 2007

SELECTED PROCEEDINGS

A 5-member delegation of the Pakistan Senate participated in NATO’s “8th New Parliamentarians Programme” held in Brussels, Belgium, from 8th to 12th July, 2007. The delegation was consisted of the following members of the Senate of Pakistan:

1. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed Leader of the delegation Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee 2. Senator Ms. Semeen Yusuf Siddiqui 3. Senator Muhammad Enver Baig 4. Senator Rashid Ahmed 5. Senator Shuja-ul-Mulk

“A Study Group be set up under NATO to review the strategy on the campaign against terrorism.” (Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed)

65 Pakistan and NATO Delegations from Afghanistan, Estonia, Latvia, participated in the Parliamentary Sessions of Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Bosnia and NATO New Assembly. During the five days Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Russian deliberations, 21 presentations were held on Federation, Macedonia, Jordan, European various aspects of NATO operations followed Parliament and Kosovo also participated in the by questions – answer sessions. The details of programme. This was the second time that a these sessions are appended below: parliamentary delegation from Pakistan had

Address by General John Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)

The delegates visited Supreme Headquarter NATO forces, apprised the delegates that our Allied Power Europe (SHAPE) on July 9, 2007. methodology is to transform large strategies into General John Craddock, Supreme Allied small operations which are more viable to Commander Europe (SACEUR) addressed the member nations. participants followed by a Question – Answer Session. General Craddock gave a brief overview The Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO’s background and its military operations (SACEUR) further stated that new command including expansion of its jurisdiction to other structure is under review. However, NATO forces non-NATO areas. He was of the view that after gave utmost importance to national and Alliance the globalization, common goal is to safeguard interest to meet the emerging challenges. He the security of member countries. While categorically pointed out that operations in deliberating on ongoing operations of NATO he Kosovo and Afghanistan are important mentioned deployment of 30,000 to 40,000 challenges which require motivated efforts. NATO troops in Afghanistan to create stable is determined to focus on outreach strategies environment and ensure internal security of the taking into political considerations and mitigate country. He also deliberated on deployment of them into our operations. 15,000 troops in Kosovo and several non-military missions including air defence/air lifting on the Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed thanked request of African Unity along with modest the Supreme Commander for his candid briefing training initiatives for Iraqi forces. The operations and extended acknowledgment for providing in Iraq are focused on establishment of training immediate support and assistance during the capabilities, training of Iraqi soldiers and devastating earthquake relief operations in coordination/movement of equipment. NATO Pakistan. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed forces are also assisting in airborne programmes enquired about the exact role of NATO in in Baltic States for their air defence. General Afghanistan operations; first, how to achieve the Craddock, while deliberating on operations of goals, and second, difference between the role

66 Pakistan and NATO A smiling presentation by Mr. David Hobbs, Deputy Secretary General, NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee, Senate of Pakistan. and operational activities of command structure international development agencies which are of the US forces and NATO (ISAF), which is undertaking their respective projects. Whereas, perhaps causing difficulty in controlling the the US forces are responsible for the military situation in Afghanistan. The General Craddock operations against the militants and insurgency. responded that Allied Forces’ operations are focused on ensuring territorial security, measures Senator Muhammad Enver Baig, while to improve quality of life, developing good appreciating the timely assistance during the governance in terms of eradication of corruption earthquake relief operation by NATO, drew the etc. and bring together all the institutions to attention of Allied Supreme Commander about extend networking in outreach, and cooperation. growing concerns in Pakistan regarding a large However, future lies with Afghan National Army number of civilian casualties due to NATO and Police and we have adopted two-prone operations. He asked, whether NATO have approach to assist in the aforementioned areas. approval of the UN and are their operations While responding to a clear mandate of USA inline with NATO charter? The General Craddock and NATO forces, he stated that ISAF is mainly firmly responded that NATO forces are operating concentrating to provide secure level fields for under the UN mandate and these operations

67 Pakistan and NATO are also approved by NATO member countries. Areas in Pakistan are the primary victims of However, there have been certain incidents on cross-border interferences. The insurgents have borders. In this regard, the US Central Command been finding hideouts in our tribal areas and is in contact with Islamabad and Kabul and when force is used by the US our innocent certainly NATO does not have mandate for cross people are killed. The entire area is in a very border operations. If there are certain allegations, serious problem. Even those militants who come they will be thoroughly investigated. He further across the border are disturbing the civic life in responded that at operation levels, we have settled areas of Pakistan. He showed serious tripartite level contacts for exchange of concerns that stability and security of Pakistan information. He admitted that all these operations is being threatened because of uncontrolled are human endeavours and we must carefully situation inside Afghanistan. He further stated move to achieve our goals and objectives. that since last 30 years, we have extended assistance to our Afghan brothers and sisters Senator Engr. Rashid Ahmad categorically because we both belong to common tribes, we informed the Supreme Allied Commander Europe communicate in common language, our culture (SACEUR) that Federally Administered Tribal and traditions are the same. Therefore, we want

Sanator Shuja-ul-Mulk and Senator Semeen Siddiqui at a dinner hosted in honour of the delegates of the ‘New Parliamentarians Programme’.

68 Pakistan and NATO stability in federally administered areas and in Sehuwirth, Chief of Staff of SHAPE, Senator Pakistan and NATO should ensure that there Mushahid Hussain Sayed, while sharing his should be minimum loss of civilian lives during observations, stated that during the last few their cross- border operations. General Craddock years we are dealing with conventional enemies reiterated his earlier stance and said that since worldwide whereas in Afghanistan the West is both countries have porous border, therefore, dealing with non state actors. He asked how more efforts should be made to cooperate and NATO was dealing with these conflicts which coordinate in resolving present situation. He said could undermine the role of NATO, because it that we recognize the problems being faced by is beyond the scope of North Atlantic member the people and we should look forward jointly countries. General Raineir Sehuwirth responded for creating stable and secure environment in that presently, the situation has changed FATA and Pakistan. dramatically because of the challenges to our security. Therefore, in today’s world NATO has Senator Semeen Yusuf Siddiqui, during the learnt to identify and deal with the non-state Question – Answer Session, inquired about other actors. Moreover, dealing with such non-state countries in which military cooperation is being actors is a difficult task because these forces extended. Major General Jozsef Forgo have no respect and care for others. Therefore, responded that most recent military cooperation it is a tough mental process which needs are training of Afghan Forces, expansion in thorough understanding of prevailing environment Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul for proper engagement with these forces. One Cooperation initiatives, primarily with Gulf and dimension of NATO assignment is to assist the Persian States. In addition, other countries where host country and, secondly, provide support to military cooperation is being extended are Japan, ensure security of other countries. He admitted Australia and New Zealand. Senator Semeen that there are no easy answers to these further enquired about the basic eligibility criteria questions. for partnership and cooperation and which two countries of the Mediterranean region are the Senator Muhammad Enver Baig stated that in partners? Major General Jozsef Forgo informed cross-border operation by NATO forces Pakistan that by the end of this year, three new suffered huge loss of lives of innocent people. partnerships are going to be materialized. He asked whether NATO plans extending any However, two countries, which are directly financial compensation to those people. He was represented, are Morocco and Egypt in the of the view that killings on Pakistan’s side gave Mediterranean. rise to deep anti NATO sentiments. He enquired what does NATO means by saying that “Pakistan Senator Muhammad Enver Baig showed should do more”. Pakistan lost its 800 soldiers concern about the way NATO was expanding during the anti terrorist operations and was facing its jurisdiction and said that it seemed NATO will problems right in the heart of capital Islamabad. take over the role and functions of the UN. Major What else can Pakistan do? General Raineir General Jozsef Forgo commented that these Sehuwirth replied that NATO does not assume are two separate entities. the responsibility of extending financial compensation. However, member countries can Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: During the create a Trust Fund for these compensations. Question – Answer Session with General Raineir Regarding “Pakistan should do more”, he said

69 Pakistan and NATO that NATO was engaged in military operations that coordination. It is reported that Taliban are along with tripartite cooperation and sharing of using the border areas of Pakistan however, he cross-border information however, ISAF was in admitted that it was easier to ask ‘do more’ but contact with Islamabad authorities. ISAF office it was really tough for Pakistan to cope with such in Islamabad was a practical step to improve increased pressure from USA.

NATO: A Political Overview

Ambassador Martin Erdmann, Assistant countries of Mediterranean region, building Secretary General, Political Affairs and Security relationship under Istanbul Cooperation initiative Policy Division (PASP) presented the Political with Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. In this regard, Overview of NATO. According to him, NATO is NATO is also taking further initiatives to develop currently undergoing second deep transformation partnership relationship with contact countries and there are four different prejudices about such as; Japan, Australia and New Zealand. NATO, namely: The most important development in these transformations is that China has also showed (i) It is purely a military organization; its interest and its delegation has recently visited NATO Headquarter. (ii) it is a Cold War Organization; Senator Muhammad Enver Baig highlighted (iii) it is a military instrument of USA; and the importance of dialogue and political solution of the current situation in Afghanistan. He was (iv) it takes military action as required, without of the view that currently NATO had no limits to any blessing of the United Nations. its operational interventions in other countries and UN had also turned out to be a debating He clarified that NATO was involved in peace club. He further stated that NATO does not seek keeping operations in Bosnia when UN was approval for its operational activities within the unable to control the situation. Similarly, UN jurisdictions. He pointed out that the world operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan were is experiencing serious problems and military undertaken along with humanitarian assistance interventions are not a solution to these problems. in Pakistan’s earthquake relief operations. He He emphasized that there was a dire need to categorically stated that these are the defining discuss these issues at political platforms and movements for NATO because political decisions to work collectively to address human sufferings to undertake these operations outside Europe caused due to military interventions in countries have their own significance. NATO has such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Assistant established partnership relationship with 23 Secretary General, Political Affairs and Security nations including Serbia, Kosovo and Baltic Policy Division, fully agreed with the observations States. Furthermore, it is holding dialogue in 7 made by Senator Muhammad Enver Baig. He

70 Pakistan and NATO “Too much emphasis on military power and means to tackle terrorism has sacrificed the respect for human life and human liberties.” Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed. clarified that military operations are considered Senator Ms. Semeen Yusuf Siddiqui pointed a last resort to address the issues and these out that in the wake of present circumstances decisions were carefully examined before gap between the West and the Muslim world implementation. Moreover, these operations was widening because Muslims were being were undertaken after seeking UN mandate or branded as fundamentalists and extremists. In on the United Nations Resolutions. The fact, such allegations are reinforcing the terrorist interventions in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan activities in the world. The Assistant Secretary were in accordance with the Security Council General, Political Affairs and Security Policy Resolutions. However, NATO had not Division, responded that they have not criticized participated in military operations in Iraq, but in Muslims but they are criticizing Jehadis and he accordance with the UN Resolution, it only assured that there was absolutely no hostility extended facilities for training of Iraqi Forces. towards Muslim world because NATO see Similarly, NATO extended assistance to Pakistan terrorism as a broad based phenomena. In this on the request of GOP in the earthquake relief context, NATO is trying to handle this serious operations. business of multidimensional consequences.

71 Pakistan and NATO NATO: Operational Overview

Three more presentations were made on NATO’s serious problem since Taliban operate from Operational Overview: civilian quarters and moreover, NATO’s operations are conducted on the request of i. NATO’s Relations with Russia Afghanistan Government. He showed serious ii. NATO’s Missile Defence concern about the civilian casualties and said iii. NATO’s Nuclear Policy. maximum efforts were being made to avoid such unpleasant incidents. He informed the delegates These presentations were made by Deputy that NATO was working on establishing Secretary General, Planning Directorate, compensation fund for civilian affectees during Operations Division (OPS), Section Head, Russia its operations. As far as monitoring and and Ukraine Relations, Corporate Account surveillance activities in Mediterranean Sea are Manager for NATO, and Deputy Director, Nuclear concerned, these are joint search operations on Policy Directorate (NPD), respectively. The the request of shipping companies for checking operational overview of NATO activities was human and drug trafficking. As far as presence explained to the delegates. These operations of NATO forces in Iraq was concerned, it was include deployment of 1600 troops in Kosovo to just for training purposes and we were not safeguard and maintenance of peace and locating weapons of mass destruction. security, deployment in Bosnia to check religious ethnicity, limited operations in Macedonia and Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: At this deployment in Afghanistan. In addition, NATO juncture, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed from Training Missions in Iraq and limited assistance Pakistan commented that all stakeholders should in Africa on the request of African Union as well fight together against the common enemy which as earthquake relief operations in Pakistan. is faceless, nameless and which has no religion and regional identity. Mr. Khalid Pashtoon from Senator Muhammad Enver Baig raised a Afghanistan expressed his concerns and number of issues, such as compensation for alleged that there was interference in the internal civilian causalities due to NATO operations on security matters of Afghanistan by Pakistan. He the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan, policing accused that Pakistan had even monetarily in Mediterranean Sea in violation of maritime gained under the cover of providing assistance laws and presence of weapons of mass in war and campaign against terrorism. He destruction in Iraq. He enquired whether NATO requested that under the prevailing conditions was able to find any weapons of mass destruction NATO forces should stay in Afghanistan. in Iraq and secondly, what were the sequences of achievements of NATO in Afghanistan? Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed: In response to allegations made by Afghan representative, The Deputy Assistant Secretary General, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed clarified the Planning Directorate, Operation Division (OPS) factual position and stated that when Afghanistan responded that we recognized that civilian was subject to foreign aggression in 1979, casualties during the military operations was a Pakistan was the first country which extended

72 Pakistan and NATO invaluable support to Afghan people. Pakistan Union. Moreover, after the 9/11 unfortunate supported 3.5 million refugees for almost three incident Pakistan had made countless sacrifices decades. That showed large heartedness of our in terms of losing precious lives of 800 soldiers people and we faced the burnt in terms of influx and arresting 500 terrorists. In the wake of war of refugees, drugs and flow of sophisticated against terrorism we believe that it was the weapons in Pakistan. Senator Mushahid Hussain responsibility of all the stakeholders to fight Sayed further stated that the roots of current terrorists, who had no religion and no regional problems in Afghanistan stem from joint efforts identity. Moreover, Pakistan had helped in (Jihad) sponsored by Washington, London and restoration of democracy in Afghanistan wherein Kabul. As far as financial assistance of $ 2.5 Pakistan had assisted in facilitating general billion was concerned, that amount was injected elections in Afghanistan in 2004. to wage joint Jihad against the former Soviet NATO’s Nuclear Policy

Mr. Heinz Ferkinghoff, Deputy Director, Nuclear ‘first use’ or ‘no first use’. NATO’s strategic Policy Directorate (NPD) gave an overview of nuclear weaponry includes: US SLBM plus NATO’s nuclear strategy, its force posture, operationally developed UK SLBM (Trident) readiness, positions on Arms Control, sharing missiles. Whereas, sub-strategic are: US gravity of nuclear arrangements and composition of bombs and small number of UK Trident Nuclear Planning Group. The Nuclear Planning warheads. The Deputy Director, Nuclear Policy Group (NPG) is headed by Secretary General Directorate apprised the delegates that the NATO and permanent ambassadors of each nuclear weapons continue to play an essential member state are the representatives. At first deterrent role in NATO’s security and its purpose level, Ministers of each member country is to “preserve peace and prevent war”. He constitute the Nuclear Planning Group (NPG) ended his presentation with a note that “The whereas, at second level, ambassadors of these best way for us to deal with the threat of nuclear countries represent their respective countries. arms is to just get rid of them all”. At third level, senior officials of US ASD/ISA constitute the High Level Group (HLG) along Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed commented with Joint Theater Surety Management Group that after the Cold War, the presence of NATO’s (JTSMG) at SHAPE/USEUCOM. The NPG Staff nuclear weapons was not justifiable and after Group includes Director NPD and other staff. 9/11 it had became more fashionable to threat Alliance Strategic Concepts are approved by on non-nuclear weapon States. This type of the heads of state and government participating nuclear proliferation was really threatening and in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council. The was a matter of great concern for peaceful principles of Strategic Concepts define that attack countries. Mr. Heinz, while deliberating on on one ally is an attack against all. Indivisibility observations of Senator Mushahid Hussain of security of all members does not consider Sayed, clarified that use of nuclear weapons itself any country’s adversary and check security was not anymore feasible and NATO - Russia and stability at the lowest possible level of forces. Council has accepted security of these weapons Moreover, NATO does not have a policy of either as a significant problem.

73 Pakistan and NATO Mr. David Hobbs, Deputy Secretary General, NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Senator Ms. Semeen Siddiqui at the dinner.

NATO and the Mediterranean and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI)

The Mediterranean Dialogue and the Istanbul Afghanistan acknowledged the assistance of Cooperation Initiatives are the other areas of Japanese in their peaceful areas and desired cooperation and partnership among the member that such assistance may also be extended in states. In the wake of new challenges after 9/11 war torn areas. The Assistant Secretary General and other terrorist endeavours NATO has suggested that such assistance should be extended its cooperation through political requested for either directly from Japanese dialogue. NATO is also in contact with other Government or from other international countries which had a strategic importance like organizations. Afghanistan, China and other neighbouring countries. The Deputy Assistant Secretary Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed enquired General for Regional Economic and Security that after the shift in NATO’s role and operations Affairs mentioned that Pakistan is a key contact from Mediterranean to greater Middle East and country in terms of ISAF assistance and NATO Pakistan, is it also going to change the future has extended full support in earthquake relief mandate and strategies of NATO. The Deputy operations in Pakistan. The representative of Assistant Secretary General commented that it

74 Pakistan and NATO did not mean that NATO alliance is no more but difficulties in taking decisions because all the shift to other areas. It is primarily due to governments of member countries are fully changing nature of incidents and our objective involved to take difficult and crucial decisions. is to stabilize the world. No doubt, we are facing

DCAF: Security Sector Reforms and Parliamentary Assistance

The Geneva Center for the Democratic Control (vii) providing advice and assistance in of Armed Forces (DCAF) was established by organizing professional, integrated and the Swiss Government in October, 2000. The accountable border management structures; Center’s mission is to promote good governance and and reform of the security sector in accordance (viii) assisting governments in encouraging with democratic standards. The Center conducts transparency in defence budgeting, research on best practices, encourages the procurement and planning. development of appropriate norms at the national and international levels, makes policy He also gave a brief account of assistance being recommendations and provides in-country advice rendered in other areas such as; Drafting of and assistance. DCAF’s partners include National Security Policy, Human Rights in Army governments, parliaments, international and Drafting of Laws in comparative organizations, civil society and a range of security environments. sector actors, such as police, judiciary, intelligence agencies and borders security Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed services. Its operations are focused on: acknowledged and appreciated the role and functions of DCAF. He informed the session (i) providing assistance to governments, that, for the first time in the history of Pakistan, parliaments and international organizations a comprehensive briefing by Nuclear Command on good governance and reform of the Authority of Pakistan was held for the Senate security sector; Foreign Relations Committee. He also raised (ii) promoting accountability and effective the issue of human rights violation where military civilian oversight of the security sector; courts were established for civilian trial by the (iii) funding and training of expert staffers in Government of USA. He further stated that there support of parliamentary defence and had been conflicting relationship between the security committees; c6ivilian and military establishments. He asked (iv) assisting in drafting and reviewing legislation whether these issues had been addressed by and other documents related to defence the Center for the Democratic Control of Armed and security; Forces (DCAF). Mr. Philipp Fluri congratulated (v) developing legal standards and mechanisms Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed for the briefing for oversight of intelligence services; by the Nuclear Command Authority of Pakistan (vi) assisting police reform in countries in and informed the delegates that they maintain transition; standards of security sectors and human rights

75 Pakistan and NATO The delegates from NATO members and non NATO countries in a session at the New Parliamentarians Programme of NATO PA.

because we are a development agency having security sector. He informed the delegates that, regular Board meetings to discuss the concerns in principle, membership is open for all the of member countries. Our objective is to have democratic countries. a platform to discuss common problems in the Address by NATO Secretary General

Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Secretary General Pakistan’s earthquake relief operations, NATO NATO had a brief meeting with the delegations has swiftly responded. He was very candid to on July 11, 2007. In his short address, he stated announce that “we need very strong relations that NATO is a political and military organization with Pakistan” because of its geo-political position under Article 5 of NATO Charter. NATO today, in the region. He further explained that Serbia, is confronted with challenges like terrorism, Herzegovina, Kosovo and other countries are weapons of mass destructions, failing states joining NATO and such offer is also open for and export of terrorism by failed states. He other interested countries. categorically stated that NATO has no ambitions to become world’s policeman. However, we have While responding to queries of the extended full cooperation as and when requested representatives of Afghanistan and Pakistan, by the UN or member states. In Afghanistan and NATO Secretary General refuted the allegations

76 Pakistan and NATO of Afghan representative and stated that there of problem but it was, in fact, a partner in the had been no single political prisoner taken out solution”. Therefore, we should expand our of Afghanistan and neither was there any such cooperation as much as we can with Pakistan prison. The Secretary General swiftly commented for addressing issues and problems in that on the observations of Senator Muhammad particular area. He appreciated the proposal of Enver Baig and explained that using world Pakistan for fencing the border with Afghanistan. expansion is quite aggressive because NATO The Secretary General was very clear in saying operations were undertaken with the consent of that Pakistan was doing a lot to address the member states and on the request of participating problems faced by the two countries and it was countries. NATO operations in Afghanistan are too easy to criticize but Pakistan had made very much within the UN Resolution and are positive contributions and their efforts should be initiated on the request of the host country. He acknowledged and appreciated for securing declared that “Pakistan was considered a part peace and stability in the region.”

NATO’s Public Diplomacy

Mr. Jean Fournet, Assistant Secretary General, be celebrating NATO week in various countries. Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) gave a brief The Division is also responsible for NATO account of Public Diplomacy Division and stated website, which is one of the best in terms of that our strategy is to strengthen communication content and accessibility. channels and information sharing with civil society, community leaders, think tanks, social Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed was of the scientists, opinion leaders and parliamentarians. view that NATO has re-invented its role towards It is a tailor-made phenomena and it is considered Muslim world whereas, after its swift response as national responsibility to promote political and involvement in earthquake and Tsunami activities and extend support to NATO initiatives. disaster relief operations, NATO’s image was This Division is responsible to evolve consensus considerably improved. Unfortunately, the among partner states and prepare documents message of NATO had not reached the streets on relevant issues to promote NATO’s role in of Muslim countries. Therefore, Public Diplomacy maintaining security of member states. He Division should forcefully take up this shortcoming admitted that they would be more inclined to and incorporate in their future strategy to address focus on significant areas such as, Afghanistan, the Muslim resentments towards NATO policies. Pakistan, Kosovo and other countries where They should provide factual position inside of NATO’s operations are in progress. Such moves this important shortcoming to NATO authorities will apprise the people at large about NATO’s and allied states for future policy formulations. engagements in their respective areas. This Division also manages to arrange seminars on matters of significant importance and would also

77 Pakistan and NATO NATO’s Transformation and Future Challanges

Mr. Jamie Shea, Head, Policy Planning, Private exchange of experts and training of local troops Office of the Secretary General, NATO that could improve the strategies to deal with Headquarters briefed the delegates of the “8th problems confronted by various countries. NATO Parliamentarians Assembly” regarding its transformation and future security challenges. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed appreciated Mr. Shea was introduced as an important the robust presentation made by the Head, Policy contributor because he acts as an Advisor to Planning, Private Office of the Secretary General, NATO Secretary General and responsible to NATO Headquarter. He acknowledged with point out the shortcomings in the operational thanks the immediate response of NATO in the side of NATO endeavours. While explaining earthquake relief operations in Pakistan and NATO’s operations, he stated that in the last ten stated that NATO was still in search of a new years NATO had been engaged to achieve its role and identity for which NATO had to define objectives and dealing with accidental clearly as who was the enemy in the 21st century. happenings. Since it exists for security and Moreover, NATO’s deployment in Afghanistan defence but threat to territory and security of was too late to start its operations which are population, under Article 5 of NATO’s Charter, even not clearly defined. were the major objectives. However, network of partnership and efforts for providing security While responding to aforementioned comments, were also given top priority. He deliberated on Mr. Jamie Shea, Head, Policy Planning, Private institutional response required to meet the Office of the Secretary General, NATO emerging challenges, likewise dealing with Headquarter stated that issues such as terrorism, insurgency in Afghanistan. He admitted and nuclear proliferation and instability could be acknowledged that present arrangements are generically defined as the important issues. We necessary but not sufficient to overcome the were able to manage these issues to some crisis. The military must know about extent but not fully satisfied with the pace of reconstruction activities, resettlement of refugees achievements. He acknowledged that NATO’s and training requirements of local army. In other deployment was, no doubt, late and for peace words NATO must have clear picture, how local keeping missions we need to have better institutions work and how can military assist. understandings of social and geo-political Accordingly, NATO must learn from past conditions of the area. Mr. Khalid Pashtoon of experiences wherein diplomacy had been kept Afghanistan requested that NATO should extend out of strategy to deal with such problems. We its stay in Afghanistan and stop the interference need to apply diplomatic channels in more of neighbouring countries for their support to effective manner. He emphasized the need for insurgents. Mr. Jamie Shea responded that

78 Pakistan and NATO NATO had no intentions for prolonged stay in NATO should have started interacting with Afghanistan and our intentions include enhancing Pakistan much earlier. The exchange of capabilities of Afghan Government for creating information between NATO and Pakistan was political stability, reconstruction and extend extremely satisfactory which was commendable support to allied forces. He also admitted that and appreciated.

Ambassadorial Round Table

Towards the end of the 8th New NATO optimism while defending achievements of NATO Parliamentarians Assembly Sessions, a round in terms of maintaining security, reconstruction table discussion was held on July 12, 2007, and fighting terrorist activities. He desired that which was presided over by the permanent Parliamentarians should take lead to create ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Italy and awareness about the achievements of NATO in Lithuania. The three ambassadors jointly gave maintaining peace and security. an overview of the present and past operational activities of NATO. Mr. Linas Linkevicius, Mr. Khalid Pashtoon from Afghanistan raised permanent Ambassador of Lithuania opened the issue of indiscriminate firing by NATO (British) the discussion and enlightened the delegates soldiers on civilian population which is provoking on political dimensions of NATO. He particularly anti-NATO sentiments and causing mentioned about the partnership coordination embarrassment. between 64 countries, which have actively participated as allied or partner countries in The Ambassador of UK, Mr. Stewart Eldon NATO endeavours. He emphasized that their responded that our troops can’t shoot at civilians main task is to ensure security of the member and if they are pointed out, they would be charged states and also fight back terrorist activities with criminal offenses. He further explained that through mutual cooperation and coordination. NATO forces are not divided into different According to him, the year 2009 will be celebrated segments on the basis of nationalities but they as ‘NATO Anniversary’ in the member states. operate under one command and with unanimity This will help in stretching the message of NATO of plans. He acknowledged the institutional to other non-member nations. The Italian difficulties to operate in other countries and was Ambassador, Mr. Stefano Stefanini, commented of the view that we should get out of such on two ongoing major operations of NATO in situations for which we have to cooperate and Afghanistan and Kosovo. He categorically coordinate for the larger interest of NATO and dispelled the impression that NATO is an arm the host countries. and agency of the United States. At this juncture, Mr. Linas Linkevicius pointed out that, in fact, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, head of NATO has suffered due to its depth and improper the Pakistan delegation discussed the future visibility of problems being handled in various perspectives of mutual cooperation between parts of the world. Moreover, bad reports created NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Senate of bad name for NATO. However, he showed Pakistan. It was principally agreed that both

79 Pakistan and NATO Senate of Pakistan and NATO Parliamentary the Deputy Secretary General for his kind Assembly would extend full cooperation to each remarks and for acknowledging Pakistan’s other, and NATO Parliamentary Assembly would positive contribution in the proceedings of 8th explore the possibilities of training and exchange New NATO Parliamentarians Assembly and of delegations. It was also agreed to hold a assured full cooperation for establishing future NATO Regional Seminar in Pakistan in October, bilateral relations. 2008. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed thanked

80 Pakistan and NATO Appendixes

President General Pervez Musharraf’s meeting with the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (May 8, 2007, Rawalpindi)

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visit to NATO Headquarters (January 30, 2007)

Pakistan and NATO Article by Dr. Rashid Ahmed Khan President General Pervez Musharraf’s meeting with the NATO Secretary General , Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer

(Rawalpindi, May 8, 2007)

RAWALPINDI: President General Pervez Musharraf speaks with NATO Secreatry General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer during a meeting.

ISLAMABAD: Establishment of peace in Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri was also present on Afghanistan is not the sole responsibility of the occasion. Pakistan but all stakeholders including NATO are equally responsible to maintain tranquility in Sources said the two leaders discussed the war-ravaged country, said President Gen. Afghanistan situation, peace and security, Pervez Musharraf. reconstruction, economic development and bilateral relations. The President said that Pakistan wanted peaceful and stable Afghanistan, as it was not only in the The President said that Pakistan, keeping in interest of Pakistan but the entire region as well. view the ground realities, had taken some President Musharraf said this in a meeting with landmark decisions that helped control terrorism NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and extremism. We are fencing Afghan border who called on him at the Presidential camp office at specific points to check the movement of Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Foreign Minister terrorists," the President.

83 Pakistan and NATO The President apprised NATO Secretary General of the positive outcome of the North Waziristan This was said by NATO Secretary General, Jaap peace agreement saying the local tribesmen de Hoop Scheffer while addressing a joint press had killed several foreign terrorists. conference with Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri here Tuesday in Foreign Office. The President said that terrorism could not be wiped out only by force. "Other options be used He held NATO was working to prevent to tackle terrorism," he added. Afghanistan from becoming a failed state. All have to work jointly in this connection. If President Musharraf underlined the need for Afghanistan again becomes a failed state, it will swift reconstruction and economic development leave negative impact on the world as well as of Afghanistan which, he said, could help reduce region, he cautioned. terrorism. He observed Pakistan was working for peace The President said that Pakistan was cooperating and stability in Afghanistan. NATO Commanders with NATO and other allied forces for neither talk against Pakistan nor does he allow establishment of peace in Afghanistan. The them to do so. cooperation, he said, would continue in future as well. He went on to say the scourge of terrorism couldn’t be curbed without the role of Pakistan President Musharraf underscored for initiating and Afghanistan. However Afghan government dialogue between Pakistan and NATO for should carryout reconstruction of state promotion of relations in political and other organizations. NATO is playing pivotal role in sectors. NATO Secretary General agreed to the reconstruction process of Afghanistan. President Musharraf and hailed Pakistan efforts against terrorism. Replying to a question, he said, governments from both sides of the border will have to take NATO Secretary General advocated that all steps to secure Pak-Afghan border. stakeholders would have to jointly struggle for Reconstruction is an uphill task. Despite this maintaining peace in Afghanistan. He supported fact, we are meeting this challenge. President Musharraf`s policy on Afghanistan. Hoop de Scheffer said Pakistan was an important Afghanistan needs stability for long a time, he non-NATO ally. "We will enhance contacts with said adding NATO, therefore, can give no Pakistan and also military relations," he added. timeframe to leave Afghanistan. We are enjoying UN mandate. Joint press conference with Foreign Minister Responding to a question, he said NATO is Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri in Foreign Office. political and military alliance. “We will expand Meanwhile, North Atlantic Treaty Organization our cooperation and relations with Pakistan. We (NATO) has said they can not give time frame will not be part of political process in Afghanistan for their pull out from Afghanistan as they are as it is not our mandate. We want a better and there under UN mandate. peaceful Afghanistan, he added.

84 Pakistan and NATO Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, NATO is satisfactory. It will be moved forward. said Pakistan and NATO have common He underlined, Pakistan has done more than objectives for promotion of regional and global others for peace in Afghanistan. Our troops and peace. “We both are stakeholders in war against other forces are deployed on Afghan borders. terrorism and for peace and stability in But it is not only the responsibility of Pakistan Afghanistan. NATO helped us enormously for to safeguard the borders. Afghanistan should reconstruction of quake-affected areas. also play its role to stamp out terrorism. There should be exchange of information between Pakistan supports the efforts of ISAF for peace NATO and Pakistan in war against terrorism. and reconstruction of Afghanistan, he remarked. “We want peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He held Tripartite Commission is very vital forum NATO can benefit from the role and expertise for cooperation in security. “We have also agreed of Pakistan in war against terrorism. that only military option is not enough for biding peace in Afghanistan. Reconstruction and Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri told talks with NATO development process will have to be geared up. Secretary General have remained very successful. “We have agreed to initiate political To a question he said political talks with NATO dialogue. Exchange of delegations has also are essential for military cooperation. taken place between both sides during the last few months. “We welcome offer from NATO to impart training to Pakistan armed forces in NATO school and defence college. The ongoing Courtesy: PAK TRIBUNE cooperation between Defence Ministry and Wednesday May 09, 2007

85 Pakistan and NATO Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visit to NATO Headquarters (Brussels, January 30, 2007)

NATO and Pakistan have shared objectives, stresses the Pakistani Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, during his visit to NATO HQ on 30 January, 2007.

The Prime Minister said this referred both to the Common approach wider goal of world peace, but also to efforts to bring stability and prosperity to Afghanistan. Discussions focused on efforts to bring peace “Pakistan is committed to a strong, stable and stability to Afghanistan, where NATO is Afghanistan,” said the Prime Minister, “the one leading a 32,000-strong international security country that will benefit the most, after assistance force, ISAF. Afghanistan itself, will be Pakistan.” The Ambassadors and the Prime Minister agreed The Prime Minister visited NATO HQ to meet that success in Afghanistan required a sustained, with Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer comprehensive approach involving economic, and to exchange views with the representatives political and military elements. of NATO’s 26 member countries.

86 Pakistan and NATO “The answer in Afghanistan reads development, when NATO launched a large operation to help reconstruction, where Pakistan also plays a role,” aid victims of the devastating earthquake that the Secretary General told reporters, “We should struck the country. all do more, because we all don’t do enough.” The Alliance has opened several courses at Among other issues, the Ambassadors and NATO education facilities to Pakistani officers Prime Minister Aziz discussed the increasing and Pakistani, Afghan and NATO authorities are drug cultivation in Afghanistan, refugee issues, working together in a joint commission on military and efforts to prevent extremist infiltration into and security issues in Afghanistan. Afghanistan via the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Recently, a joint Afghan, ISAF and Pakistani The Prime Minster said he hoped these intelligence centre was opened in Kabul. consultations would be the beginning of greater political dialogue with NATO. Source: NATO News, January 30, 2007 Closer cooperation

Pakistan and NATO have been steadily increasing cooperation since October 2005,

87 Pakistan and NATO Pakistan and NATO Dr. Radhid Ahmad Khan

An important dimension of Pakistan’s strategic at Riga, the alliance reiterated its commitment significance in regional as well as in global politics to follow the broad approach to security defined is its growing relationship with North Atlantic under 1999 Strategic Concept. It was decided Treaty Organization (NATO). Although this that NATO will contribute to effective conflict relationship is only a couple of years old, it has prevention and to engage actively in crisis already demonstrated its criticality for the management. One of the security tasks assigned protection of the two side’s most vital national to the alliance under the changed circumstances security interests in the region. The range of is to engage non-NATO states as partners in areas in which Pakistan and NATO are extending security, consultation, deterrence and defence. cooperation to each other continues to grow. Pakistan is one of those states with which NATO These include provision of supplies and logistics has established a relationship of partnership as support to NATO forces fighting in Afghanistan, Non-NATO Ally. joint efforts to ensure security in the Pak-Afghan border areas, cooperation in exchange of This relationship has been established in view information, intelligence and data sharing, of Pakistan’s geo-political location and in coordinated steps to fight terrorism represented recognition of its relevance for an effective war by the remnants of Al-Qaeda and Taliban and against terrorism. According to the priorities set relief operations in areas hit by natural disaster, out by the Riga Summit of the alliance, for the like the 2005 earthquake in Azad Kashmir and foreseeable future terrorism will remain the most a number of districts of NWFP. serious security threat to its members. This requires NATO to develop effective response Since the end of Cold War, and especially after capability to the current and future crisis 9/11, there has been a fundamental situations. According to Comprehensive Political transformation in the role and functions of NATO. Guidance approved by NATO Heads of State Originally established in 1949 as a 15 member and Government in November 2006, the alliance alliance under the leadership of the United States must build “the ability to conduct and support to deter Soviet–led WARSAW Pact forces from multi-national joint expeditionary operations far invading Western Europe, it has now not only from home territory with little or no host nation expanded its membership but also extended the support and to sustain them for extended periods. range of its operations. At the last year summit This requires forces that are fully deployable,

88 Pakistan and NATO sustainable and interoperable and the means more crucial, and coordination between NATO to deploy them. It also requires a fully coordinated and Pakistan for maintaining security in the and, where appropriate, multi-national logistic border areas assumes special significance. Such support.” cooperation is already in place. Major-General Ton Van Loon, who is the commander of NATO’s The mission in Afghanistan undertaken by NATO ISAF Regional Command-South, has recently since the end of the last year is one such situation said that ISAF has “very good cooperation” with where the alliance capability faces the hardest Pakistan in ensuring security along Pakistan- test due to the chaotic conditions in the country. Afghanistan border. He particularly mentioned The Afghanistan mission has been called the role of 80,000 strong Pakistani army deployed “NATO’s most ambitious operation, perhaps in on the Pak-Afghan border in controlling the its history.” NATO forces have been present in cross-border infiltration of the militants into the country since 2003, but their mission was Afghanistan. confined to Kabul and relatively stable and peaceful regions in the north and the west. Their The visit of NATO Secretary-General Jaap de mission included peacekeeping and humanitarian Hoop Scheffer to Pakistan in May 2007 and his assistance. However, during the last four years, meetings with President General Pervaiz NATO presence in Afghanistan has considerably Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and increased. There are 37000 International Security Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri have Assistance Force (ISAF) troops deployed under further cemented the relationship between NATO command in various parts of Afghanistan. Pakistan and NATO. In these meetings the two The bulk of these forces belong to the British, sides focused on joint measures that needed to Canadian and Dutch. Non-NATO allies, like be taken to secure the border between Pakistan Australia and Macedonia have also contributed and Afghanistan and to deny sanctuary to the troops to NATO mission in Afghanistan. The Taliban on both sides of the border. While largest contingent of ISAF (numbering 8000) is addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad deployed in the southern region of Afghanistan, with Foreign Minister Kasuri, NATO Secretary- which has common border with Pakistan. NATO General underlined the commonality of interests forces have, in fact, replaced about 4000 between Pakistan and NATO in fighting terrorism, American troops that were earlier doing combat which has become an international phenomenon duty and providing support to the reconstruction and grown more complex. “We are all in the and re-building effort in that part of the country. same boat. “We are fighting terrorism, we are Apart from ISAF, there are roughly 22000 US fighting extremism. We are preventing troops scattered throughout Afghanistan. As Afghanistan becoming again a failed state,” said Taliban insurgent activity intensifies in the eastern NATO chief at his press conference in Islamabad. and southern regions of Afghanistan, plans are Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz expressed the same underway to deploy large part of this force in views during his meeting with the visiting NATO these regions that have common border with Secretary-General and said that Pakistan and Pakistan. NATO had common perceptions on peace and security in the region. Both sides, he said, In this evolving situation, Pakistan’s role becomes enjoyed good coordination over Afghanistan.

89 Pakistan and NATO While underlining the fact that the causes and and sleeping bags donated by Slovenia to the solutions of the Afghan problem lie in earthquake victims in Pakistan. It was followed Afghanistan, Prime Minister Aziz assured NATO by a series of quick arrivals of NATO teams that chief that Pakistan would continue to extend all included elements of NATO Response Force out support to the Afghan government to achieve (NRF), the elements of NATO field medical team, peace and security in the country and the region. flight training cargo crew from NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control Force Command and From the outcome of the first visit of NATO Italian Heavy Engineering Contingent. Two, all Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to NATO countries contributed to the disaster relief Pakistan and his detailed discussions with the in Pakistan. All of them played a full part in top leadership in Pakistan, it was obvious that international community’s response to the both sides in further expanding the cooperation disaster. Every member country contributed in and strengthening strategic partnership are one form or the other to relief effort. NATO looking beyond war on terror. In an answer to Response Force (NRF) established an air bridge a question at the joint press conference, Mr. and deployed more than 1200 soldiers from 17 Scheffer stated that NATO, which he described NATO countries in Pakistan. NATO Air Mobile as politico-military alliance, would institutionalize Medical Teams in Pakistan treated over 3000 a political dialogue and expand military patients in the earthquake affected areas of cooperation with Pakistan to develop a “more Azad Kashmir during their operations from mature and more regular relationship beyond November 2005 to January 2006. the war on terror.” We are here to see if we can come to a more mature, more regular political Pakistan-NATO partnership reflects the changed dialogue between Pakistan and NATO.” geo-strategic scenario in South and Southwest Asia following the traumatic events of 9/11. The Military-to-military cooperation is only one war against terrorism being fought under the dimension of the partnership between Pakistan US-led global coalition has brought NATO to and NATO. The relief operations for humanitarian the doorsteps of Pakistan. For the success of assistance undertaken by NATO in the wake of its mission in Afghanistan, NATO forces heavily devastating earthquake of 2005 in Azad Kashmir depend upon Pakistan for logistic support, military is yet another manifestation of strong links cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint between the two sides. The relief assistance coordinated measures to ensure peace, stability provided by NATO in the earthquake hit areas and security in Pak-Afghan border regions. This is notable for two features: One, it was a prompt has made the role of Pakistan very crucial. response to a call for relief assistance from Recognizing that stabilization, reconstruction Islamabad. After receiving request from the and rehabilitation in Afghanistan serves the Government of Pakistan to provide relief interests of all the stakeholders in the region, assistance, NATO Disaster Relief Operation Pakistan has continued to extend cooperation was in full swing. The devastating earthquake to NATO forces operating in Afghanistan. NATO had hit on 8 October, and on 14 October at 0450 circles highly value this cooperation; and in local time, the first NATO cargo aircraft arrived recognition of the crucial role being played by in Islamabad with seven tons of tents, blankets Pakistan intend to institutionalize this cooperation

90 Pakistan and NATO into a “more mature” and “more regular” political the ‘war against terrorism’ is going to be a long dialogue with long term strategic objective. drawn out war, the US and NATO forces have Pakistan-NATO partnership has not only settled for a long term stay in Afghanistan. In sustained, it is also being further strengthened view of the importance being attached to NATO through cooperation in the non-military areas, mission in Afghanistan, Pakistan-NATO like disaster relief and humanitarian assistance partnership for working more closely to fight operations. The visit of NATO Secretary-General terrorism in the Pak-Afghan border regions is Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to Pakistan in May has bound to grow. further strengthened Pak-NATO partnership. As

Dr. Rashid Ahmad Khan is currently Professor/Senior Fellow at the Centre for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore. He has worked with Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) as Senior Research Fellow (2002-07), and has been Professor and Chairman, Department of Political Science, Punjab University, Lahore.

91 Pakistan and NATO Profiles of the Chairman and Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed (PML - Federal Capital) Chairman

Mushahid Hussain Sayed is currently a Senator and Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate. He is also Secretary General of the ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League. He has been a Cabinet Minister, Journalist, university teacher and political analyst. As Information Minister from 1997 to 1999, Mushahid Hussain was the country’s principal spokesman and appeared frequently on international television and radio channels to present Pakistan’s position on issues ranging from nuclear weapons to Islam and foreign policy. He was also Leader of Pakistan’s Delegation to the UN Human Rights Commission at Geneva in 1993.

After October 12, 1999, Mushahid Hussain was held without any charges as a political prisoner for four-hundred and forty (440) days, including a period in solitary imprisonment. The world’s leading human rights organization, Amnesty International, declared him a ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ making him the first such Pakistani to be honoured for the year 2000.

Mushahid Hussain has a Master’s degree from the School of Foreign Services in Georgetown University at Washington. While studying in the US, he was President of the Pakistan Students Association and was awarded a Congressional Internship to work in the United States Congress. After completion of studies in the United States, he returned to Pakistan and became Member, Directing Staff of the country’s prestigious training institution for civil servants, the Pakistan Administrative Staff College, training new diplomats. He then joined Pakistan’s oldest seat of learning, the Punjab University, as Lecturer on International Relations in the Political Science Department, from where he along with three other teachers was removed on political grounds during Martial Law.

In 1982, at age 29, he became the youngest Editor of national English daily, 'The Muslim', published from capital Islamabad, which was respected for its independent positions.

As a specialist on international political and strategic issues, he has lectured widely and his articles have been published in various national and international publications including 'The New York Times', 'The Washington Post', 'International Herald Tribune', and 'Middle East International'. He was elected Co-Chairman of the NAM Media Conference of 100 countries, held in New Delhi in December 1983 and he is the first Pakistani journalist to have started a syndicated column in the Indian media, writing regularly in the ‘Times of India’ and the ‘Hindustan Times’ in 1989.

Mr. Mushahid Hussain is the author of three books. He is also Chairman of the Board of Governors of Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), a leading Think Tank.

He is also the Vice President of the Centrist Democrat International (CDI) Asia – Pacific Chapter. On January 27, 2006, he was awarded Congressional Medal of Achievement by the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines. He served as Pakistan's Representative to the 15-member Commission of Eminent Persons of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) tasked with preparing a Plan of Action & Reforms for the Muslim World by the Summit of Islamic Leaders held in Malaysia in October, 2003.

Membership of the Senate & Parliamentary Committees:

• Committee on Foreign Relations, • Functional Committee on Human Rights. Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (Chairman) • Finance Committee • Committee on Defence and Defence Production. • Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir. • Functional Committee on Government Assurances. • Joint Parliamentary Committee on Balochistan.

Contact Information: Address:

Tele (Off.) 051-922 3974, 2828073, 051-111-00-1947, (Home) 175, Street 15, E-7, Islamabad. Fax: 051-282 7870 (Office) Secretary General, Pakistan Muslim League, Tele (Res.) 051-920 6531, Cell: 0300-500 6056 4, Margalla Road, F-7/3, Islamabad. Email: [email protected] Senate Committee Offices, Room 25, 3rd Floor, Former USAID Building, G-5/1, Islamabad.

95 Pakistan and NATO Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Ex-Officio Member

Mian Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri is a member of the National Assembly from NA-140 (Kasur-III) constituency. He is currently Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Mian Khursheed Mahmud Kasuri graduated with a B.A (Hons.) degree from University of the Punjab in 1961, followed by a tripos degree from Cambridge University and qualified as Barrister-at-Law at Gray's Inn London. During his political career, Mr.Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri was elected as First Secretary General of Peoples Democratic Alliance and was appointed Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in the interim government of Prime Minister Mir Balakh Sher Mazari. Mr. Kasuri is an ex-officio member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Contact Information Tele (Off): 051-9210335, 9203824 Tele (Res): 051-9222227-8 Fax (Off): 051-9207600 Address (Off): Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Constitution Avenue, Islamabad. Address (Res): House No. 13-A, Street No. 8, F-7/3, Islamabad.

96 Pakistan and NATO Senator Wasim Sajjad (PML - Federal Capital) Member

Mr. Wasim Sajjad was born on 30th March, 1941. He went to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1964 from where he obtained the Degrees of M.A. (Jurisprudence) and B.C.L. He is a Barrister- at-Law from the Inner Temple London and an Honorary Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford. He has a highly distinguished career in politics and public service and has held the office of :- President of Pakistan (July to November, 1993 and December, 1997 to January, 1998). Chairman, Senate of Pakistan (24th December, 1988 to 12th October, 1999). Elected in 1988 and re-elected in 1991, 1994 and 1997. Federal Minister for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs (September, 1986 to December 1988). Has also held the portfolio of the Federal Minister for Interior & Narcotics Control. Leader of the Opposition in the Senate of Pakistan, 1988. Elected as Senator from Punjab on a technocrat seat in 1985. Re-elected in 1991, 1994, 1997 and 2003. Presently he is the Leader of the House in the Senate of Pakistan and is a Member of the Pakistan Muslim League. As a Lawyer by profession, he is presently heading his own law firm (Sajjad Law Associates) having its Head Office in Islamabad. He is the President of the Foundation for Advancement of Science & Technology and Chancellor of the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences. He has travelled extensively and visited over fifty countries. He is married and has three children.

Contact information: Tele (Off): 051-922 3503, 922 3504 Tele (Res): 051- 224 0903 Mobile: 0333- 575 3205 Fax: 051-922 3505(Off.) 224 3856(Res.) Address: H. No.12-A, P&V Scheme No.2, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabd.

97 Pakistan and NATO Senator S. M. Zafar (PML - Punjab) Member

Senator S. M. Zafar is a prominent lawyer and former Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Pakistan. He is involved with various aworks and is Chairman of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency - PILDAT's Board of Advisors, Chairman of the Human Rights Society of Pakistan as well as of the Senate Committee on Human Rights. He was President of the High Court Bar Association Lahore (1975) and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (1979). He is also Chairman of the Cultural Association of Pakistan. Senator Zafar has visited the US, Canada, UK, France and Germany. He enjoys farming and has three sons and a daughter.

Contact information: Tele (Off): 051-9223969, 042-7570257, 042-7570258 Tele (Res): 051-9223825, 042-5420828, 042-5421668 Mobile: 0300-8455377 Fax: 042-7570256, 042-5715483 Email: [email protected] Address: Zafar House, 300 West Canal Bank, Hanjarwal, Lahore

Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmad (MMA - NWFP) Member A world renowned research scholar, an educationist, an economist, a versatile writer and a preacher of Islam, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad was born on March 23, 1932 at Delhi, India. He holds a Bachelors degree in Law and Jurisprudence, Masters degrees in Economics and Islamic Studies and an Honorary Doctorate (Ph.D) in Education. Prof. Khurshid Ahmad has held the portfolio of the Federal Minister of Planning and Development and has been Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission in the Government of Pakistan from 1978 to 1979. He has written around 30 books in English, over 20 in Urdu and contributed to a large number of magazines. Senator Ahmed was elected as member of the Senate in February, 2003, and is a member of the Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Northern Affairs. He previously served as member of the Senate from March 1985 till March 1997. During that tenure he was also Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs from 1991 till March, 1997. He is Vice President (Naib Ameer) of Jama'at-e-Islami Pakistan and Founder and Chairman of both Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad and the Islamic Foundation, Leicestershire, UK.

Contact information: Tele (Off): 051-2650971-3 Tele (Re): 051-2103137 Mobile: 0300-8542211 Fax: 051-2650704 Email: [email protected] Address: Institute of Policy Studies, Block-19, Markaz F-7, Islamabad

98 Pakistan and NATO Senator Sardar Mahtab Ahmed Abbasi (PML-N - NWFP) Member

Senator Sardar Mahtab Ahmed Abbasi is former Chief Minister of the NWFP and a Federal Minister. He is an experienced politician and one of the prominent leaders of the PML-N.

Contact information: Tele (Off): 051-4102122 Tele (Res): 0992-382323 Mobile: 0300-8548638, 0300-5006061 Fax: 051-2876405 Email: [email protected] Address: Pines Cliff Mirpur Abbotabad

Senator Maulana Sami-ul-Haq (MMA - NWFP) Member Senator Sami-ul-Haq completed education from Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania Akora Khattak, and received a degree in Tafseer from spiritual leader Maulana Ahmad Ali Lahori. He was awarded an honorary degree from Darululoom Deoband India and Jamia Makka Muazzama, serving as Chancellor and Teacher of Hadith. Senator Maulana Sami-ul-Haq is a central leader of MMA and runs Dar ul Uloom Haqqania, a religious seminary at Akora Khattak, NWFP. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Religious Affairs and Minorities Affairs, and has been serving in the Senate of Pakistan since 1985. Senator Sami-ul-Haq is the Secretary General of the JUI-S, and Senior Vice President of the Islamic Democratic Alliance. He is Founder and Secretary General of the National Uniformity council (A common council of all religious political parties). He is the also the founder of the monthly Jamia Haqqania Al-Haq, and has authored several religio-political books in Urdu.

Contact information: Tele (Off): 051-9223957 Tele (Res): 051-9222829 Tele (Res): 0923-630340 Mobile: 0333-5196486 Fax: 0923-630922 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Address: Jamia Darul Uloom Haqania Akora Khatak, Distt. Nowshera, NWFP, Pakistan.

99 Pakistan and NATO Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani (PML - Punjab) Member Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, is a leading political activist and grass roots organizer of his party who founded the youth movement “Pasban”. He was Secretary General of the National Alliance, a coalition partner of the ruling party. He is also the President of the Wise Education Society and Women Welfare Society. He is the Founder of the Institute of Afghan Affairs (1985) and Education for All (EFA). He has launched campaigns for the Kashmir cause, free employment (1997), Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust Hospital, collective marriage ceremony, true freedom (2000), and for relief on foreign debt (2001). He played a leading role in the establishment of IJI (1988), Millat Party, National Alliance and the Grand National Alliance. Senator Durrani has visited Europe, Asia and Africa and is married with three sons and a daughter.

Contact information: Tele: (Office) 9211800, 9213649 Tele: (Res) 042-5885593, 042-9230082, 051-9202895 Mobile: 0300-8453883 Email: [email protected] Address 1 : Islamabad: 09-H Parliament Lodges Address 2: Lahore: H.82-B Garden Block, Garden Town

Senator Nisar A. Memon (PML - Sindh) Member Senator Nisar A. Memon is the former Minister for Information and the former Chief Executive of the IBM Pakistan. He is also Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defence & Defence Production. He previously served as Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting twice (1993 and 2002); as President of the Overseas investors chamber of Commerce & Industry Pakistan (1994); and as Chairman Board of Directors, Engro Chemicals Limited, Pakistan (2001-2002). He is a Syndicate member of Karachi University and President of The Reformers. Senator Memon has visited Europe, USA, Canada, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. He is married with two daughters and enjoys reading and playing Golf.

Contact information: Tele (Off): 051-9223956 Tele (Res): 051-9223853 Mobile: 0300-8222836, 0300-8556632 Fax: 021-5840642 Email: [email protected] Address: 78, Khayaban-e-Sehar, DHA, Phase VI, Karachi

100 Pakistan and NATO Senator Sardar M. Latif Khan Khosa (PPPP - Punjab) Member Senator Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa is one of the country's leading lawyers who has actively defended constitutional and political cases of his party leadership. He was President of the High Court Bar Association thrice (1981-82, 1987-88, 1995-96), Member Pakistan Bar Council since 1995, Chairman Executive Committee P.B.C. (1995-96), Chairman Appeal Committee Punjab-1 (1996-2000) and Member Tribunal P.B.C. (1995-2000). He is a Life Member of the High Court Bars of Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. He is also Life Member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and Chairman of Khosa Law Chambers. Senator Khosa has visited the USA, Canada, France, UK, China, Ireland, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. He is married with four sons and two daughters and enjoys cricket, debating and music.

Contact information: Tele (Res): 042-7351695 Tele (Mob): 0300-8410477 Fax: 042-7351695 Email: [email protected] Address 1: Lahore: Khosa Law Chamber, No. 1 Turner Road Address 2: Multan: 2522, Bhawalpur Road Address 3: Rawalpindi: Flat No.3, 1st Floor, Satellite Plaza, Six Road Chowk, Satellite Town

Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood Aryan (MMA - NWFP) Member

Membership of the Senate Committees

Standing Committee on Interior (Chairman). Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources. Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas. Functional Committee on Government Assurances.

Contact Information: Office Phone: 051-227879 Mobile Phone: 0333-5116995, 0303-7371408 Fax: 051-2270465 Address: i. 202-G, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. ii. Bandi Gulu Kot Najeeb ullah Haripur NWFP.

101 Pakistan and NATO Senator Col (R) Syed Tahir Hussan Mashhadi (MQM - Sindh) Education: BSC (Hons) PSC (Command and Staff Course Quetta) Achievements: Ex-Chairman, District Karachi East. Ex-Town Nazim, Jamshed Town, Karachi. Columnist, Political Analyst, articles frequently appear in leading English language newspapers and periodicals. Retired Army Officer. Membership of Senate Committees: Committee on Rules of Procedures and Privileges. (Chairman Committee) Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas. Standing Committee on Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs and Tourism. Standing Committee on Education and Science and Technology. Standing Committee on Interior.

Office Phone: 051-9223953 Mobile Phone: 0304-2342090 Fax: 051-9223975 Email: [email protected] Address: Al-Major, 225, Street-8, Defence Officers Housing Society, Phase-I, Malir Cantt, Karachi.

Senator Gulshan Saeed (PML - Punjab) Member Senator Gulshan Saeed, Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping, is a long-standing political activist and she runs an NGO called Roshan Pakistan. She was a member of the Punjab Social Welfare Board from 1998-2002. She has visited the UK, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, France, Holland and USA. Senator Gulshan Saeed is married with two sons and two daughters.

She is currently the Vice President of the Women's Wing of Pakistan Muslim League, and member of its General Council. She has held assignments of Punjab Social Welfare Board, Bait-ul-Mal Punjab and Chairman Zakat Committee Lahore.

Contact information: Tele (Off): 051-9207477, 9223818 Tele (Res): 042-6664652, 042-6650482 Mobile: 0300-8420783 Address: 77, Bridge Colony, Lahore, Cantt.

102 Pakistan and NATO PROFILES OF THE COMMITTEE OFFICIALS Mr. Iftikhar Ullah Babar Secretary Committee

Mr. Iftikhar Ullah Babar is Additional Secretary at the Senate of Pakistan and is currently working with the Parliamentary Committees of the Senate.

Mr. Babar completed his Secondary School and Higher Secondary School from Burn Hall School Abbottabad and Abbottabad Public School respectively. He attended Edwardes College Peshawar for his Bachelor's Degree and University of Peshawar for a Master's Degree in Economics. He also holds a Master's Degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Mr. Babar attended the 13th Advance Management and Development course at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Peshawar and the 76th National Management Course at the Pakistan Administrative Staff College (PASC) Lahore.

Mr. Babar has authored a number of research articles on wide ranging topics namely, the Eighth Constitutional Amendment, Research support to Parliamentarians, the Parliamentary Committee System in Pakistan and Parliament and Financial Control. He has written numerous reports for the Committees, which were presented in the Senate.

Contact Information Tele (Off): 051-9209790 Tele (Res): 051-9266966 Mobile:0333-5107274 Email: [email protected] Address: Senate Secretariat, Parliament House, Islamabad.

105 Pakistan and NATO Mr. Tayyab Siddiqui Consultant Ambassador (R)

Mr. Tayyab Siddiqui joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1967 and served as Ambassador of Pakistan to Zimbabwe (1986-1990), with concurrent accreditation to Zambia, Botswana and Namibia; to Indonesia (1992-1996), with concurrent accreditation to Papua New Guinea; to Egypt (1997-1999); and to Switzerland (1999-2003), and also to the Holy See and Liechtenstein.

In a 35 - year career as a diplomat, he also served in Pakistan missions in Amman, Beirut, Colombo, Berlin (GDR), Athens, Dhaka and Washington D.C. He was a member of Pakistan delegation to the UNGA for four years (1977-1980).

Ambassador Siddiqui is currently a regular analyst on international affairs with Radio Pakistan and PTV and other private channels. He is a regular contributor to English dailies - 'Dawn', 'The Nation' and 'The Post' on current international issues. He also contributes a regular column entitled “Harf-e-Haq” to the Urdu daily, ‘ Ausaf’. The selection of his columns was published in March, 2005.

Contact Information Mobile: 0300-5005358 Tele (Res): 051-2816011 E-mail: [email protected] Address: House 13, St. # 43, F-8/1, Islamabad.

106 Pakistan and NATO About the Hanns Seidel Foundation

The Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) is a non-profit organization established in 1967 with its headquarters in Munich. Its activities, financed by the Federal Republic of Germany, by the Free State of Bavaria, and by private donations, are organized through four main departments, the Academy for Politics and Current Affairs, the Institute for Adult Civic Education, the Scholarship organization and the Institute for International Contact and Cooperation.

In accordance with the overall mission statement of the HSF, the Institute for International Contact and Cooperation is working in the service of peace, democracy and development with projects in currently 60 countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. In Pakistan the HSF has established and supported Technical Training Centers in the province of Balochistan from 1983 to 1999. Since 1993, when an office of the HSF was opened in Islamabad, its activities have included technical support and staff training for the Secretariats of both houses of the Parliament and cooperation with a number of Institutes, Think Tanks and University Departments, all of which are doing research mainly on issues of current international and regional politics. HSF has assisted in the organization of hundreds of public seminars with its partners in Pakistan, as well as non-public dialogue forums on foreign policy and security matters with experts from neighbouring and European countries.

The HSF is pleased to be associated with the production of Report No.16: “Pakistan and NATO”, under the auspices of Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Hanns Seidel Foundation House 2, Margalla Road, F-6/3, Islamabad. Tel: (051) 227-5568/69, Fax: (051) 227-5569 E-mail: [email protected] Reports published by the SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE 2004 - 2007 2004

Report No. 1(July 2004) The Global & Regional Scenario in the aftermath of 9/11.

Report No. 2 (August, 2004) General Elections in India - its impact and the regional implications.

Report No. 3 (October, 2004) Special Report on Enlightened Moderation – The Post 9/11 Scenario.

2005

Report No. 4 (March, 2005) Occupied Kashmir and Relations with India.

Report No. 5 (April – May, 2005) Visit to Germany, Belgium and the UK.

Report No. 6 (September, 2005) Pakistan and the OIC.

Report No. 7 (November, 2005) Report of the Parliamentary Committee on Balochistan.

Report No. 8 (December, 2005) Pak – Africa Relations.

Report No. 9 (December, 2005) Pakistan – UK Relations.

2006

Report No. 10 (January, 2006) Visit to Japan and South Korea.

Report No. 11 (August, 2006) Dialogue with the Dutch and Pakistan - Russia Relations.

Report No. 12 (Decemeber, 2006) The Lebanon Conflict.

2007

Report No. 13 (March, 2007) Pakistan - Afghanistan Relations.

Report No. 14 (May, 2007) Visit to Iran and Uzbekistan

Report No. 15 (August, 2007) Pakistan and the European Union

SENATE OF PAKISTAN Foreign Relations Committee

for Reports of the Committee please visit http://www.foreignaffairscommittee.org