Geopolitical situation turning to Pakistan’s advantage: Mushahid

Islamabad, Feb 5: Secretary General PML, Mushahid Hussain Sayed while addressing the Youth Parliament Pakistan here on Friday on the topic of “Pakistan’s Policy on Terrorism” clearly indicated that the current wave of terrorism had its roots in the Afghan war that started back in 1979. Pakistan has been a pivotal player ever since. Initially US funded the Afghan Jihad through Pakistan and promoted the Afghan Mujahideen but after Geneva Accord in 1989 and withdrawal of US troops, these Mujahideen were turned from friends into foes. He said in these 30 years Pakistan also faced critical situations with India three times but the people of Pakistan showed tremendous resilience. Although, with the changing ground reality US has had to accept that war in Afghanistan cannot be won by Military force and dialogue process is the only way out.

The PML Secretary General, highlighting the FATA issue, pointed out that the failure of successive governments in promoting developmental process is the major cause of terrorism in the region. He said Fundamental Socio-economic- political reforms are need of the time for FATA and above all the “the Political Parties Act” should be extended to FATA so that inclusion of FATA people in political process can be made possible. He emphasized the immediate actions on Reconstruction of Opportunity Zones –ROZ in FATA, which had been promised by the United States but this pledge has not mean met.

Mushahid Hussain said the geo-political scenario was turning to Pakistan’s advantage and now is a test of our leadership how we play our cards to promote our interests, he added.