- ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Wednesday condemned the US backing for a permanent seat for arch-rival India on the UN Security Council as “incomprehensible.”
A federal Cabinet resolution “expressed its serious concern and strong disappointment on the decision of the United States to support a permanent seat for India on the UN Security Council,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.
Addressing the Indian Parliament earlier this week, visiting US President Barack Obama said he looked forward to welcoming India as a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council.
The resolution passed by the Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, accused India of “disregard of Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and gross and systematic violations of the fundamental human rights of the Kashmiri people.”
Separately, the Cabinet also approved the imposition of the Reformed General Sales Tax.
Arab News earlier reported about government’s intentions to shift direct burden to tax payers by imposing the new measure to collect over 100 billion rupees for rehabilitation of flood victims and rehabilitation of regions ravaged by unprecedented July floods.
The move came as a part of Pakistan’s agreement with International Monetry Fund, and in its present form,will increase prices of commodities and services by 15 percent.

