Religious leaders greet Trump

Pak-US ties should be based on mutual respect: politicians

LAHORE

Senior politicians have urged Islamabad to develop relationship with the new US regime on the principle of mutual respect and interests.

The politicians also ruled out any visible shift in the US policy towards Pakistan, particularly under a Republican government which is coming in power after a gap of eight years. They advised the Pakistani rulers to continue the dialogue process while prioritising its interests.

“This is the mandate given by the people of USA and we should respect it. We should accept the people’s verdict and work with the new American government on the principle of mutual respect,” said Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister of Pakistan while talking to The News.

Gilani stated that both governments shared a partnership in the war against terrorism. Moreover, he said, Pakistan had faced huge damage in this war, not only in terms of human causalities but also in terms of economical loss. “The new American president should realise the efforts of Pakistan in the war on terrorism, we have paid a heavy price in this war and our sacrifices should be acknowledged,” said Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, the longest serving, from 2008 to 2012, prime minister of Pakistan so far.

When contacted, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani said, "It is a revival of the concept of white man to rule."

Wasim Sajjad, former President of Pakistan and Senate chairman, while talking to The News, said that the victory of Donald Trump had proven all indicators wrong and reflected a noticeable change in the mindset of the US voters, particularly the whites.

He said that Republicans during the electioneering took full advantage of the ‘fear of Muslims’ in the USA besides the voters also rejected a woman candidate which proved that the people wanted change as the previous regime remained in power for eight years. Wasim Sajjad also predicted a similar change in the European minds in the coming days. “I think the Pakistani government should wait and watch. The relationship should be based on mutual respect. The process of dialogue should continue, although I don’t see any immediate change in the policy of US towards Pakistan,” said Wasim Sajjad. Sardar Balakh Sher Mazari, former caretaker PM, said the result of US polls was unexpected. “Not only Trump won, but he won with a significant lead. Let's hope for the best now,” he said. He stated that the rulers in Islamabad should be careful while devising the strategy with the new US regime.