Federal government spokesperson for legal affairs, Barrister Aqeel has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has no equal in its anti-Pakistan agenda as the party has been conducting campaigns within Pakistan and abroad to promote an anti-state agenda.
In his recent statement, Barrister Aqeel said that members of the U.S. Congress were hired by lobbying firms to conduct an anti-state campaign against Pakistan.
Barrister Aqeel emphasized that Pakistan is a free and independent country, committed to promoting good and friendly relations with all nations.
However, certain political parties are intent on damaging these relations.
“There is no justification for such actions, and they will be dealt with strictly. Legal action will be taken both domestically and internationally,” he said.
Amendment introduced in US National Defense Authorization Act
Aqeel pointed out that an amendment was introduced in the US National Defense Authorization Act, intended to harm Pakistan with its anti-state agenda.
Stopping military and security assistance to Pakistan
The amendment called for stopping military and security assistance to Pakistan, which has been provided since 1947.
The House Rules Committee rejected this amendment on June 12, 2024.
Congresswoman Susie Lee introduced three amendments, all opposing the anti-Pakistan agenda and calling for a ‘freeze’ on security and other aid to Pakistan.
Barrister Aqeel noted that the Secretary of State was asked to report on human rights violations.
Pakistan aims to promote relations with all countries on an equal footing and follows an independent foreign policy without taking dictation from any external entities, he asiad.
“Certain political party followers have promoted an anti-Pakistan agenda, causing attempts to damage Pakistan irreparably,” the movement spokesperson said.
MOFA rejects terms amendments as baseless
The Foreign Office of Pakistan has rejected these efforts, and the American House Rules Committee declared these amendments to be contrary to the facts. The anti-Pakistan agenda has intensified since last year.
He recalled the no-confidence motion in April 2022, when the narrative of "absolutely not" was given, claiming it was an American conspiracy and that Pakistan was being treated as a ‘slave’. Following this, lobbying firms were hired to promote the anti-Pakistan agenda.
Lobbyist firms hire congressmen for anti-Pakistan agenda
Barrister Aqeel revealed that lobbyist firms hired congressmen after the so-called "absolutely not" slogan to push for anti-Pakistan legislation. Congressman McCormick introduced Resolution 901 in November 2023, coinciding with PTI’s efforts and all anti-Pakistan legislation is driven by PTI’s influence.
Some overseas Pakistanis being used for anti-state agenda
He added that some overseas Pakistanis are leaning towards PTI and are being used to further the party’s anti-state agenda.
Action will be taken against those promoting such activities, he declared.
What happened in 2023?
In May 2023, 65 members of Congress wrote to the US Secretary of Defense, and in November 2023, 11 congressmen wrote to the Secretary of State requesting the suspension of aid to Pakistan.
Additionally, 31 members of Congress wrote to the US President and the Secretary of State, urging them not to recognize the government of Pakistan.
All these actions are attributed to PTI’s organized campaign against Pakistan, with India playing a significant role in these activities.
The anti-Pakistan agenda is being pursued in collaboration with India. The government and the state of Pakistan are aware of the individuals behind these campaigns. No opposition to the state is permissible.
Barrister Aqeel stated that a systematic campaign was also launched on social media, linking anti-national activities to a specific political party.
He questioned the compulsion that led to adopting an anti-Pakistan agenda, implying that the party’s agenda equates to “no Pakistan without our political party.”
Pakistan stands above any political party
The government and state of Pakistan stand above any political party. He urged those involved in politics to do so without harming the country.
He accused PTI of meeting with Pakistan’s enemies and tarnishing Pakistan’s image on international platforms.
“All Pakistanis must work for the country's benefit, not for personal or political party gains and urged keeping Pakistanis away from negative politics,” he said.
