Ijaz Kakakhel
A legislative body of Upper House of parliament on Tuesday was informed that close ties with Iran as pivotal for Pakistan’s border and energy security.
These views were expressed by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who chaired the Senate Sanding Committee on Defence, which held today at parliament house. The Committee was briefed on counter-terrorism operations conducted by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the security situation on the borders with Iran and Afghanistan. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed commended the recent meeting between the Pakistan Prime Minister and the President of Iran at the Pak-Iran border, considering it a positive step forward in strengthening ties between the two nations. He also welcomed the recent high-level visits to Iran by senior Pakistan security and diplomatic officials, which would yield positive results for peace, border security and economic connectivity.
The Committee convened a meeting today to address important issues pertaining to national security and the well-being of the citizens. Senators Walid Iqbal, Hidayat Ullah, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, Engr Rukhsana Zuberi, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan and Mover; ex-Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan attended the meeting. Secretary Ministry of Defence Lt Gen (Retd) Hamood Uz Zaman HI (M), Additional Secretary Ministry of Defence, Major General Khurram and DG, Military Lands & Cantonments, Major General Tariq, and CEO Rawalpindi Cantonment, also participated.
The meeting commenced with Fateha offered for the souls who lost their lives in the Greece boat tragedy. The Committee extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with them during this difficult time.
The meeting discussed in detail the unauthorized commercial activities in Westridge, Rawalpindi Cantt. The Director General Military Lands and Cantonments (ML&C) delivered a detailed presentation, highlighting the steps taken to address the issue. He informed the committee that the department has been actively combating illegal activities and commercialization.
However, due to a Supreme Court order issued on 5th January 2022, the ML&C has been restrained from taking action against school premises. The DG ML&C assured the committee that once the Cantonment Board (Amendment) Act 2023 is passed by the Parliament, stringent measures, including heavy fines and property sealing, will be implemented to ensure compliance with the directions.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed assured the petitioner that he would expedite the process in the Senate, aiming for the prompt enactment of the act to resolve the long-standing concerns of the residents. Following a comprehensive discussion, the Chair disposed of the matter, after ensuring the satisfaction of the petitioner.
