Coalition partners discuss security, other issues: joint-sitting likely on March 20

A high-level meeting of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and its coalition partners was held Saturday to take stock of national security and matters pertaining to foreign policy ahead of joint sitting of the parliament, scheduled for March 20, it is learnt.
The meeting of heads of allied parties was held in the Presidency. President Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani presided. According to sources, the President also summoned a joint session of the parliament on March 20, 2012 to discuss recommendations prepared by Parliamentary Committee on National Security about security and foreign policy.
The meeting was attended by Chaudhry Pervaz Elahi, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Asfandyar Wali Khan, Senator Afrasiab Khattak, Dr Farooq Sattar, Haider Abbas Rizvi, Senator Mir Israrullah Zehri, Munir Khan Orakzai, spokesperson to the President, Senator Farhatullah Babar and Engr Shaukat Ullah. Hina Rabbani Khar, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Secretary General M. Salman Faruqui, CoAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, ex-DG ISI were also present.
The sources said decision would be taken in the joint sitting of the Parliament about resumption of Nato supply. Spokesperson to the President, Senator Farhatullah Babar said the meeting was in continuation of an earlier meeting held on March 14. He said the Foreign Minister and the Army Chief briefed the meeting on security and foreign policy issues.
The coalition partners noted that the foreign relations with other countries should be based on mutual respect, mutual interests and should be in a transparent manner with the involvement of public representatives. The meeting placed on record its appreciation of the services and sacrifices rendered by the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police in defending the country and fight against militancy. The Spokesperson said that heads of allied parties congratulated the President for his record fifth address to the joint sitting of the Parliament. The President appreciated the coalition partners for their contributions and strong support.