Democrat seeks Congressional hearings on Pak.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

NEW YORK, MAY 2. Expressing concern over the growing threat of international terrorism from Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Ranking Member of the House International Relations Committee, Mr. Sam Gejdenson, has called for Congressional hearings on democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan which would specifically address the link between such issues and the growing threat of terrorism.

Commenting on the Patterns of Global Terrorism Report for 1999 put out by the State Department, the Democrat in the House of Representatives argued that it had cited continued official Pakistani support for organisations involved in terrorist activities.

``I am fearful that the breakdown of rule of law and lack of civilian control and oversight of Government will only lead to a more enabling environment for terrorism'', the lawmaker said in a statement.

``We have seen what militarism and extremist ideologies have wrought in Afghanistan. I am deeply concerned that Pakistan is headed for a similar fate if democracy is not restored''.

He went on to argue that the report illustrated the need for Congress to assess what steps Pakistan was specifically taking to combat terrorism and restoring democracy.

``As the report points out, the focus of international terrorism seems to be shifting to South Asia.

``Given this emerging trend, it is clearly in our interest to work with countries in the region to combat terrorism'', Mr. Gejdenson added.

The Democrat from Connecticut also expressed concern about the overall efforts to combat terrorism and called for Congressional action in the light of the role played by Iran, Libya and Lebanon by providing safe havens and military support to terrorist outfits.

``Congress must work closely with the Administration and our allies to ensure we are prepared to fight international terrorism'', he remarked.

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