KARACHI: Pasban-e-Pakistan President Altaf Shakoor welcomed the decision of Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani to cancel a visit to the US by a delegation of Pakistani senators, after their visa process was inordinately delayed.
In a statement on Sunday, Shakoor said that this brave decision was taken in accordance with the national honour and aspirations of Pakistanis. He said the other members of Pakistan’s assemblies and senate should follow suit. He appealed to the senate chairman to also take notice of the issue of prolonged detention of the nation’s daughter, Dr Aafia Siddiqui. He asked the chairman to persuade the sitting government to take appropriate steps for her early repatriation.
He further appreciated that Rabbani had sought an explanation from the US administration regarding the inordinate delay in issuing visas to the delegation and announced the cancellation of the visit until this explanation was received.
Shakoor added that in the past, Pakistani rulers had played the role of US’ poodle and that they should learn a lesson from the senate chairman’s brave decision. He added that they should also learn how to uphold the country’s national dignity and honour in such matters.
Shakoor remarked that members of parliament should themselves realise their own importance, with the Pakistani delegation slated to take part in an international event and represent Pakistan.
He added it was the unanimous demand of the Pakistani nation that Dr Aafia Siddiqui be released. He said the rulers had already pledged to play their role in this regard while there many resolutions had also been passed by parliament; however no solid action had still to be seen. He hoped that the senate chairman would also show the same bravery and sense of honour in the matter of Aafia’s detention and also raise this issue properly so that the government is compelled to take appropriate actions.
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