LAHORE: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah Khan has said that Pakistan seeks peaceful relations with its neighbours but will deliver a strong response to any act of aggression.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the residence of Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Murad Khan to offer condolences, he said Pakistan’s policy was based on peace and mutual respect. “Our policy is very clear. Pakistan will not attack any neighbouring country.
However, if anyone attacks us, we will not keep that debt unpaid,” he said, warning that the response “may not remain zero-six, it could go beyond that.”
Rana said Pakistan had always supported Afghanistan but had repeatedly faced losses from cross-border attacks. He said the country could no longer afford to bury its soldiers and had clearly conveyed that there must be a distinction between terrorists and ordinary citizens.
On domestic politics, he said the PML-N had never supported banning any political or religious party, but noted that protests by a particular religious group had often turned violent. He said the Punjab government had submitted its report to the federal government, which would make the final decision on the matter.
He said Pakistan remained open to dialogue but ruled out talks with those involved in terrorism. “There is no concept of good or bad terrorists,” he added. “Anyone whose ideology is based on violence and opposition to the state cannot be engaged in dialogue.”
Rana also accused India of involvement in destabilising activities in Pakistan, calling it “an open secret,” and warned that any misadventure would draw a firm response from the armed forces.
He said Punjab was ready to hold local government elections, adding that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif wanted the system to reach every neighbourhood to enable citizens to participate directly in governance.
