JEDDAH, 29 May 2005 — Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will work together to combat terrorism and the relations between the two would grow stronger in the years to come, said Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, former prime minister of Pakistan.
Jamali urged the United States to play a vital role to bring about peace and security around the world. “It’s the duty of the US, being a world power, to help countries take the course of peace and prosperity,” he said.
He denied any rift within the ruling Pakistan Muslim League. Jamali, who was on a private visit to the Kingdom, talked to Arab News on wide ranging issues. Excerpts:
Q. What is the extent of Pak-Saudi cooperation in the field of terrorism?
A. KSA and Pakistan continue to work together to eradicate this unacceptable menace from the roots of their respective societies. The phenomenon of terrorism is not acceptable in whatever form and this menace, which does not benefit in whatever form, should be uprooted. Ties between the KSA and Pakistan are very close and continue to grow stronger day by day.
Q. The other day, reports in some section of the press have quoted Pakistan Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmoud Kasuri mentioning the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden somewhere near the Afghan border. What do you say?
A. The foreign minister of Pakistan may have the sort of information that I may not have and so he is better positioned to speak on that subject. I do not know anything about the whereabouts of the Al-Qaeda leader.
Q. How do you see the US relations with the rest of the world and especially with Pakistan?
A. The US is a unipolar power, and as such it has a great moral responsibility over the rest of the countries of the world over. The US should take all the countries of the world together and help resolve outstanding regional issues and bring lasting peace and prosperity to mankind.
Q. Rumors in Pakistan mention a split brewing within the PML and especially between you and Choudhary Shujaat Hussain. What’s the truth behind these?
A. Choudhary Shujaat Hussain is the president of my party and we are all united and moving together in the light of the party’s charter. We are not aspirant of any portfolios or leadership. There is no substance to such rumors.
Q. Although much is being said of the economic growth achieved in the country, yet the ordinary citizens continue to suffer from spiraling prices and feel the pinch of hardship. What steps have been taken to ameliorate the situation of the common man?
A. There is no doubt that the economic situation of Pakistan has marginally improved in comparison to the past. We are trying in the Parliament to bring about relief to the common man, and Inshallah, the situation will be better tomorrow. The government plans to allocate record amounts in developmental projects in the next budget and this would have far-reaching benefits to the common citizen throughout the country.
Q. Can it be said that the government’s policy of dialogue was a success in Balochistan?
A. In Balochistan, a committee has been established under the leadership of Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain, which has put up a number of recommendations for the welfare of the Balochi people. I personally believe that the people of Balochistan must get their full rights and peace and prosperity must prevail in the region like in other parts of Pakistan.
