New Defence Policy Strategy Documents to be prepared: Mushahid

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman Senate Defence Committee said on Tuesday that a new comprehensive Defence Policy Strategy Document would be prepared after seeking proposals and recommendations from all the stakeholders. In a meeting with European Union’s Defence attaches headed by Pierre Mayaudon, DHM, European delegation at the Parliament House, he said that national security, in view of the changed scenario needs broader definition.He observed the fear of ‘strong and powerful’ has gone due to free media, independent Judiciary, vibrant civil society and a dynamic Parliament.

He further said that the Parliament is playing an assertive role keeping in view the emerging realities at national, regional and global level and the Committee is revisiting the Defence paradigm in light of the new realities.
He informed the delegation about the changed and expended role of the Parliament particularly mentioning the stand taken by the Parliament on Salala incident, according to a press release issued here. 

He stated that the Parliament took a unanimous decision to redefine terms of engagement with United State and NATO and unanimously approved recommendations in this regard.He remarked that media is playing active role in shaping public opinion and citizen activism is being witnessed resulting in national cohesion on new issues. Senator Mushahid underlined the need for more regional cooperation and economic integration to work for the collective benefit of the people of the region.

He said that contours of defence now include climate change, cyber warfare, terrorism, extremism which require comprehensive policies.
He said that terrorism is a common enemy and a collective approach is direly needed to get rid of the menace and ensure regional and global peace. “We are facing the fallout of developments in the region.” 

He hoped to build a good relationship with regional players since their destiny is intertwined. The Chairman of the Defence Committee briefed the Defence attaches about the steps taken by the Committee and reiterated that the committee would act as bridge between khaki and mufti. 

Public hearings on core issues related to national security have been organized and seminars were being arranged to seek guidance from experts and scholars in different fields to finalize a comprehensive defence strategy document. 

Senator Mushahid observed that national security is of paramount significance and unanimity of opinion exists among all sheds of thought in this regards.
Later, Senator Mushahid also answered various questions on regional and international issues. 

The defence attaches thanked the Chairman of the Defence Committee for candid briefing and expressed the hope to continue such a fruitful interaction in future to share views on matters of mutual significance. Special Secretary Senate Mr. Amjad Pervez was also present on the occasion.