Islamabad, Jan. 23 -- Pakistan's federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday strongly defended the government's decision to join US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, following the heavy criticism launched by the political opposition, terming the decision a "diplomatic success", and one aimed at securing lasting peace in Gaza.
Addressing a joint sitting of parliament, Iqbal lashed out against the opposition's criticism which deemed Islamabad's participation a poor decision made due to external pressure, reflecting weakness in the leadership.
"Pakistan does not need lessons from anyone on national security," he said, in response to criticism levied by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.
Trump formally launched his ...