Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday hailed the policy statement by Prime Minister Imran Khan on foreign relations and defence of the country by terming it a milestone for protecting the national interests, integrity and sovereignty.

In a press statement President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik said the entire business community was proud of Prime Minister Imran Khan for taking the National Assembly and nation into confidence in the larger national interests as the cornerstone of foreign policy.

He said in given circumstances, it was a judicious decision to categorically not allow any Pakistan air base and its territory for action in Afghanistan.

He said earlier decisions landed Pakistan in trouble besides causing irreparable loss to the national economy in addition to destroying its infrastructure.

He said this historic decision will help restore the goodwill between Pak-Afghan governments and cement the bilateral relations in the days to come.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said that the business community also lauds another dauntless stance of the Prime Minister for not joining any US led alliance against China which he added is all the times tested and trusted friend of Pakistan.

He said “We fully support the Prime Minister” in greater national interests for safeguarding the sovereignty of the country in a vivid and crystal clear manner.

He said that military intervention has never been solution to Afghanistan and it’s was praiseworthy decision for not allowing its soil for cross border counter terrorism missions which he added will yield positive impact in future.

However Pakistan must be extraordinarily vigilant over tense mounted situations cropping up after the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.

He quoted the USSR which was ultimately dismembered after the attack on Afghanistan.

He said Imran Khan was wise enough to welcome a politically elected government in Afghanistan which reflected the aspirations of its people.