President Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies, Senator Sehar Kamran (TI) has expressed grave concern over the US Congress’ Subcommittees on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade and Asia and the Pacific on the question of ‘Is Pakistan a Friend or a Foe’? to be held on Tuesday 12th July, 2016 at the Capitol Hill.
Senator Kamran said Pakistan has rendered innumerable sacrifices in the US led war on terror and has been actively collaborating with the US to curb the flow of terrorism and extremism.
Senator Sehar Kamran said it is a matter of great concern that one of the Subcommittees is being Chaired by Congressman Ted Poe who is publically known for his anti-Pakistan rhetoric. Also the inclusion of Former US ambassador to Afghanistan and United Nations, Zalmay Khalilzad, is one of the three witnesses who have been asked to explain Pakistan and its policies to the lawmakers is a point of apprehension as Mr Khalilzad is been famously known for bias views against Pakistan. The other two witnesses are Bill Roggio, senior editor, Long War Journal, and Tricia Bacon, Assistant Professor, American University.
Senator Sehar Kamran said the Government of Pakistan needs to adapt an active foreign policy and actively lobby for its interests in Washington. She said the fact that the US Congress Panel could not find a single Pakistani to explain Pakistan’s policies is deeply disturbing.