New security policy: Nawaz Sharif postpones APC

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif have decided to postpone the all parties conference (APC) on the country’s security situation, The Express Tribune has learnt.

According to sources, the two brothers met at Prime Minister Nawaz’s Raiwind residence on Sunday to discuss national security affairs, the energy policy, Afghanistan-related issues and the upcoming

presidential elections.

During the meeting, Nawaz and Shahbaz agreed to put off the APC until the new National Security Policy was completed, the sources said. According to them, the proposed policy is still being drafted.

The sources said that the two leaders also discussed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s decision to boycott the APC and decided Premier Nawaz would approach party chairman Imran Khan personally in the coming days to convince him otherwise.

According to sources, Imran has severe reservations over security in the areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkha – where his party is currently in power – which border Afghanistan. They said the premier intends to take the PTI chief onboard with regards to the new National Security Policy and other measures to improve law and order in K-P.

The sources added that Premier Nawaz will also try to persuade Imran on the necessity of US drone strikes in the country’s tribal areas. According to them, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership, after being briefed by the army and security agencies, has changed its stance on the CIA-led campaign and now views it as a vital means to counter terrorists.

Mamnoon to address MPAs

PML-N presidential nominee Mamnoon Hussain will address the party’s members of the Punjab Assembly today (Monday).

Talking to The Express Tribune, Hussain said that he would take the PML-N MPAs into confidence over his nomination for president. “I will also thank them for endorsing me as the party’s presidential candidate,” he added.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will also address the gathering of the party’s 302 MPAs today.

According to sources, Hussain’s address is part of his campaign for the presidential polls. They added that Punjab Assembly Speaker Sardar Sher Ali Khan Gorchani has already called a session for July 30 for the election and has directed all assembly members to reach the house by 10am.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.