Holbrooke displeased by media criticism against US
* Special envoy tells politicians positive steps taken by US must be acknowledged
LAHORE: US special envoy Richard Holbrooke has expressed displeasure over the Pakistani media’s criticism of the US, and conveyed his concerns to Pakistani politicians, reported a private TV channel on Friday.
According to the channel, PML-N leader Tehmina Daultana said Holbrooke got upset when politicians started criticising the US at a meeting with the US envoy.
PPP Information Secretary Fauzia Wahab said Holbrooke had been upset by the lack of acknowledgement of positive steps taken by the US for Pakistan.
Key leaders of the ruling and opposition parties who met Holbrooke included ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi, PPP Information Secretary Fauzia Wahab, MQM leader Farooq Sattar, the PML-Q’s Salim Saifullah Khan, Aftab Sherpao, and PML-N leaders Tehmina Daultana, Khurram Dastagir and Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
Senator Ishaq Dar later said the politicians at the meeting told Holbrooke that the US should contribute substantially in mega projects for energy.
However, Holbrooke said the Pakistani media should acknowledge the US role in Pakistan’s development, to allow Obama administration to show the US Congress the Pakistani response. He said acknowledgement of the US role would help get more aid for Pakistan.
Separately, addressing reporters at Parliament House, Asfandyar said, “We appreciate the visit by US special envoy Richard Holbrooke to Swat and his government’s humanitarian assistance for development. He said the US commitment to rebuild Swat was a sign that “they are serious about helping the country defeat the militants”.
However, he said Pakistan’s concerns over US drone attacks and new screening measures had been expressed at the politicians’ meeting with Holbrooke.
Source: Daily Times
Date:1/16/2010
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