The Parliament of Pakistan and its Role in the War on Terror

Saiful Islam1, Muhammad Zubair2 & Syed Imran Haider3

Abstract
Institutions play an important role in the development of a state as well as the
state behavior. The Parliament of Pakistanis the highest forum of debating national
issues that relate to both domestic and international politics. The War on Terror
(WoT) added to the significance and responsibilities of the Parliament as it triggered
several challenges to national security and economy. However, unlike the legislatures
of the developed states, the Parliament of Pakistan could play a limited role in shaping
the course of action with regard to the WoT. On some occasions it asserted the public
opinion while on some occasions it remained inactive and hence could not represent
the sentiments of people properly. Parliament’s role in the WoT has been fragile or
vulnerable, over the last almost two decades, in deciding terms and conditions with
the foreign states especially with the United States in the on-going WoT.Generally,
policy matters regarding war on terror in Pakistan have been formulated by the
security establishment. Lack of consensus among its members has been one of the
main causes of minimizing the role Parliament in this vital issue of national security.
This paper examines the question; whether or not the Parliament of Pakistan played its
due role in combating terrorism and the War on Terror and in what manner?

Keywords: War on Terror, Pakistan, Parliament, Resolutions