Pakistani American Congress welcomes the resolution passed by Pakistan's parliament on war against terrorism after two weeks' in camera briefings and consultations. PAC urges all parties involved in war against terrorism to honor the resolution of Pakistan's parliament. This resolution offers hope, solution and success against a menace which is constantly threatening world peace. Here is the complete text of the resolution:

Complete text of the consensus resolution is as follows:

“This in-camera joint session of Parliament has noted with great concern that extremism, militancy and terrorism in all forms and manifestations pose a grave danger to the stability and integrity of the nation-state. It was recalled that in the past the dictatorial regimes pursued policies aimed at perpetuating their own power at the cost of national interest.

This House, having considered the issue thoroughly and at great length is of the view that in terms of framing laws, building institutions, protecting our citizens from violence, eradication of terror at its roots, re-building our economy and developing opportunities for the disadvantaged, we all commit to the following:  

1        That we need an urgent review of our national security strategy and revisiting the methodology of combating terrorism in order to restore peace and stability to Pakistan and the region through an independent foreign policy.

2        The challenge of militancy and extremism must be met through developing a consensus and dialogue with all genuine stakeholders.

3        The nation stands united to combat this growing menace, with a strong public message condemning all forms and manifestations of terrorism, including the spread of sectarian hatred and violence, with a firm resolve to combat it and to address its root causes.

4        That Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity shall be safeguarded. The nation stands united against any incursions and invasions of the homeland, and calls upon the government to deal with it effectively.

5        That Pakistan’s territory shall not be used for any kind of  attacks on other countries and all foreign fighters, if found, shall be expelled from our soil.

6        That dialogue must now be the highest priority, as a principal instrument of conflict management and resolution. Dialogue will be encouraged with all those elements willing to abide by the Constitution of Pakistan and rule of law.

7        That the development of troubled zones, particularly the tribal areas, and NWFP (Pukhtoonkhwa), must also be pursued through all possible ways and legitimate means to create genuine stakeholders in peace. New economic opportunities shall be created in order to bring the less privileged areas at par with the rest of Pakistan . 

8        That a political dialogue with the people of Balochistan, the redress of grievances and redistribution of resources shall be enhanced and accelerated. 

9        That the state shall maintain the rule of law, and that when it has to intervene to protect the lives of its citizens, caution must be exercised to avoid casualties of non-combatants in conflict zones.  

10   That the federation must be strengthened through the process of democratic pluralism, social justice, religious values and tolerance, and equitable resource sharing between the provinces as enshrined in the Constitution of 1973.

11   That the state shall establish its writ in the troubled zones, and confidence building mechanisms by using customary and local communities  (jirga) and that the military will be replaced as early as possible by civilian law enforcement agencies with enhanced capacity and a sustainable political system achieved through a consultative process.

12   That Pakistan’s strategic interests be protected by developing stakes in regional peace and trade, both on the western and eastern borders.

13   That mechanisms for internal security be institutionalized by:  paying compensation for victims of violence; and rehabilitate those displaced from their homes as soon as possible; that spill-over effects of terrorism be contained throughout the country and that public consensus be built against terrorism through media and religious participation.

14   That a Special Committee of Parliament be constituted to periodically review, provide guidelines and monitor the implementation of the principles framed and roadmap given in this Resolution. This House authorizes the Speaker to constitute the said Committee in consultation with the parliamentary leaders of both Houses. The Committee will frame its own rules upon meeting.”

K. Ashraf

President PAC