ISLAMABAD: Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz says in view of the overall realignment in the region, Pakistan has taken decisive steps to further strengthen connectivity not only with China but also Central Asian countries.
He was winding up debate on a motion moved by Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh regarding the agreement signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan for development of Chahbahar Port and its negative impact on Pakistan particular Gwadar Port.
The Advisor said with increased connectivity, this region needs more than one port and therefore, both Gwadar and Chahbahar ports are complementary. He said both the ports have been declared as sister ports and there is a proposal for rail link between them.
He also pointed out that Gwadar is a deep seaport and Chahbahar is not and therefore, utility of Gwadar is much greater than Chahbahar.
About growing Indo-US relations, he said broader geo-political factors are involved particularly the US policy of containing China where India fits in.
He said Pakistan is building dossiers about activities of RAW agents in fomenting trouble in Balochistan and elsewhere in the country.
The Advisor expressed the confidence that in view of effective diplomacy of Pakistan, India would not be able to get another exception this time to make an entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The house continued debate on a motion to make recommendations to the National Assembly on the new Federal Budget.
Daud Khan Achakzai claimed that the budget was disappointing as the Government could not achieve most of the economic targets.
Babar Awan demanded announcement of the next NFC award and population census as these form basis for distribution of national resources.
Saeedul Hassan Mandokhel said substantial relief has not been provided to people. NNI