In geopolitical, geostrategic and geoeconomic terms, Pakistan is most suitably located not only to promote but also to play a key role in the region. Pakistan provides the natural linkage between the Far Eastern States to connect to Eurasian heartland with the Arabian Sea and South Asia.

We offer critical land routes and connectivity for mutually beneficial trade and energy transactions intra regionally and inter regionally. Pakistan is located at the crossroads of Central Asia, West Asia and South Asia. Pakistan can develop as a hub of economic activity linking the neighboring regions through highways, railways and ports thus serving as a trade and energy corridor.

A new and pervasive threat to peace and security that threatens the entire international community is terrorism. The menace of terrorism, along with old and new conflicts and tensions afflicts many parts of Asia.

These regional conflicts and tensions hinder economic progress, heighten poverty and cause misery and resentment all of which breed extremism and terrorism. Pakistan has long been a victim of terrorism. We have been consistently opposing terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Pakistan has been in the forefront of the global campaign to combat, counter and eliminate terrorism and extremism. It is important, that in addition to prompt action to eliminate terrorist groups and individuals, it is also equally important to address the root causes of this menace.

Terrorism often stems from the conditions where people have been long denied freedom and fundamental rights and suffer a deep sense of humiliation. International failure to resolve long-standing issues only serves to aggravate the situation.

The association of terrorism with religion, particularly Islam, is something that presents a clear and present danger to our world of today. We must firmly reject and counter campaigns to malign Islam, which is a religion of peace, tolerance and compassion.

Terrorism has no religion. What is required now, more than ever before is harmony and congenial coexistence between diverse cultures.

In this context, the relevance of the suggestion of the President of Pakistan of “Enlightened Moderation” cannot be overemphasized which aims at reforms in the Islamic societies to counter extremism on the one hand and the need for the West, especially Europe, to help with the resolution of conflicts that continue to cause suffering in the Islamic world.

We have seen in last years’ crises in Lebanon that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is essential for achieving durable peace in the Middle East and for bringing the Palestinian tragedy to a close.

This has been the objective of all peace moves including the Oslo Peace accord, The Arab League Declaration of 2002, the Quartet Peace Process and earlier the UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

The international community must act quickly and decisively to resolve the festering conflicts in the Middle East. The Palestinian people must be given their right of self-determination. A permanent and enduring solution of this issue requires the creation of an independent homeland for the Palestinians so that they and the Israelis can live within secure borders in their own states.

This would not only ensure their peaceful coexistence but also the same with their neighbors.

Pakistan is engaged with India in a peace process to resolve all outstanding issues including the Kashmir dispute. The implementation of a number of CBMs in diverse sectors has improved relations and security environment in South Asia. This can only be achieved through leadership, sincerity, courage and flexibility. There is no alternative to a durable peace that should allow the people of South Asia to devote their energies for socio-economic development.

The stage has now come for the two countries to move beyond dispute management to dispute resolution. Durable peace and security requires a just settlement of the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. A lasting solution must be acceptable to all three stakeholders —- Pakistan, India and above all the Kashmiris. All the parties need to demonstrate courage, determination, flexibility and commitment. Pakistan remains ready to do its part and the president of Pakistan has put forward several ideas including self-governance and demilitarization, which are aimed at taking the process forward.

Pakistan plans to continue to pursue this objective with the hope that it would not be held responsible for the domestic problems in India, and the terrorists would fail in their ultimate objective, which is to derail the peace process.

Pakistan believes that a strong, prosperous and stable Afghanistan is vital for regional peace and for brining about sustainable development in the region. We are making every effort to help Afghanistan rehabilitate itself politically and economically. We want to see a strong government in Afghanistan, which can ensure stability in the country and overcome internal strife as well as, the menace of drugs and the vicious culture of arms.

Accordingly, Pakistan is playing a major role in helping the international community to restore peace and security in Afghanistan.

As a neighbor, with historic links of religion, culture and traditions, a secure and stable Afghanistan is in our strategic interest. We are actively engaged in securing our common border against the transgression of terrorists, drug-runners, drug-barons, smugglers and other criminals.

For over 25 years, we have provided sanctuary to more than three million Afghan refugees. We have extended political, military and economic support to the government of President Karzai. Our bilateral trade is now over a billion dollars and we have extended more than $250 million in assistance for Afghan reconstruction.

Help is still needed from the international community, especially for reconstruction and rehabilitation as well as for revival of its economy and elimination of the drug trade. This is essential to end terrorism and violence in Afghanistan.

The top priority in our domestic policies relates to socio-economic development, reforms and strengthening of political institutions in Pakistan. Our goals are a strong economy, stable political institutions, good governance and credible security.

Through sustained efforts, sound management, financial discipline and consistent reforms based on liberalization, privatization and deregulation of economy, Pakistan has achieved and sustained a growth rate of over 7 percent.

Today, Pakistan stands among the top Asian countries in terms of economic growth.

Pakistan is attracting substantial foreign investments. FDI in the past year was over $3 billion. There is bounce and confidence in our economy, which is evident in all indicators including poverty reduction, increased employment, higher GDP and per capita income which is close to $850 with purchasing parity index of $2,350.

The president of Pakistan’s vision of the 21st Century is of fair play, equity and shared democratic values, as per the collective will of the nations, where all nations jointly strive for peace and development in the world.

The hope is that as we work together, to conquer the extraordinary challenges posed by our times, we are able to seize upon the unparalleled opportunities so as to leave a better tomorrow for our children.

— Dr. Mohammad Faisal is the Head of Chancery. [email protected]