Fauzia Wahab's Comments on criticism to the President's visit

PPP Central Information Secretary and Member National Assembly, Fauzia Wahab has strongly condemned the analysis of Ansar Abbasi that appeared in The News and Daily Jang on May 16, 2009 on the topic of "Zardari’s foreign jaunts leave pressing issues unattended". The analysis is yet another attempt to depict President Asif Ali Zardari as non serious and "indifferent" to the crises being faced by Pakistan by citing his foreign visits since he took over as President of Pakistan in September 2008. Fauzia Wahab reminded that the visits of President Zardari have focused on engaging players that are key in global fight against terror in which Pakistan is playing the role of frontline state. "Is it not a necessity that the foreign powers need to be informed about the seriousness of the Pakistan government in rooting out extremist elements who are threatening our way of life?", she asked. These powers have been the USA and UK while engaging the time and tested friends like China , Turkey , Saudi Arabia , Iran and Libya is the cornerstone of the PPP's foreign policy. The recent visit to Paris by the President has helped in restarting dialogue for the transfer of civilian nuclear technology to Pakistan . French President Sarkozy has been quoted as saying that "What can be done for India (nuclear technology for energy) can be done for Pakistan as well."

"We can see positives coming out of the trips of the Head of State to these foreign countries", said Fauzia Wahab. She also reminded that previously the President was lambasted in sections of the press on his personal visits to the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia . "Fingers were pointed towards the President on spending from the national exchequer, however, the same elements went quiet when the National Assembly was informed that the expenses on the personal visits were deposited by the President".

On the point that the President has left Prime Minister and the parliament totally subdued, she reminded that the In Camera Briefing to political leaders by the Army Chief, Central Executive Committee & Federal Council Meetings of the PPP and the All Parties Conference, are all being held with the Prime Minister in chair while the President is away from Pakistan . "Doesn’t this show that there is cohesion between the President and Prime Minister? We welcome criticism from the media, but one should call 'a spade a spade' and not corner public opinion against the national leadership", she requested.