Compromising national security for political gains...

Summary

•   ISLAMABAD: Former Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that national security and sovereignty must remain above political interests, stressing that any attempt to compromise these principles for political gains is unacceptable.
• He maintained, however, that political criticism must be exercised responsibly, particularly when matters involving national security, sovereignty and the country’s interests are concerned.
• Sanjrani concluded that Pakistan needed a clear and determined approach to confronting terrorism, adding that national security should remain a shared priority across the political spectrum.

AI Generated Summary

ISLAMABAD: Former Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that national security and sovereignty must remain above political interests, stressing that any attempt to compromise these principles for political gains is unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Friday, Sanjrani acknowledged that political parties and leaders have the democratic right to criticise government policies and oppose official decisions. However, he cautioned that political disagreement should not be used to undermine national interests or fuel narratives that could benefit Pakistan’s adversaries.

Referring to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the former Senate chairman said opposition to government decisions was a legitimate part of the democratic process. He maintained, however, that political criticism must be exercised responsibly, particularly when matters involving national security, sovereignty and the country’s interests are concerned.