Bridging perspective, promoting understanding on global security vital to defeat terrorism: Qureshi

BRUSSELS: Bridging perspective and promoting understanding on global security issues is vital to defeat the forces of militancy and terrorism, was the theme of the keynote speech of Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the 7th Worldwide Security Conference under the aegis of East West Institute, here on Thursday.

During his address, the Foreign Minister gave an overview of the challenges and threats faced by Pakistan and the strategy adopted to deal with them.

He said that growing menace of international terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 made Pakistan a frontline state and posed threat to its internal and external security, adding, Taliban were holding sway over areas of Pakistan’s tribal regions and Swat. Terrorist and suicide attacks on civilian population had disrupted normal life and the society was fragmented, he added.

The global financial meltdown hit Pakistan at a time when the economy was reeling from severe macroeconomic imbalances resulting from unprecedented hike in oil price and other commodities, he said and added that growing disparity between rich and poor, mismanagement of economy, double digit inflation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, weak democratic institutions and lopsided development strategies, coupled with disharmony among provinces completes the picture of Pakistan as it was two years ago.

The Foreign Minister said that despite these challenges the situation is looking up. Adopting a strategy of national reconciliation, the current democratic government has not only stabilized the political situation but gave political ownership to the fight against extremism. This was the key element in successful military operations in Swat, Malakand and North Waziristan. Within three months of the launch of operations in Swat, the writ of the government was restored, terrorists eliminated and the displaced persons rehabilitated, he informed the participants of the conference, he added.

However, he said that these successes can only be sustained through development work, employment opportunities, restoration of business confidence, infrastructure development and provision of education. Rebuilding infrastructure in Swat alone would cost Pakistan around $ 2 billion, he emphasised. For the revival of the economy, Pakistan needs market access for its exports. Exports will create more industries, more employment and less terrorism, he added.

On Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister said that it is hoped that the London Conference, would lay the foundation for a lasting political solution to the Afghan conflict. Pakistan all along has strongly advocated political reconciliation and reintegration of all factions and ethnicities within Afghanistan as only that with the full support of the international community provide a unique opportunity to bring peace to this war ravaged land. All Afghans should have a stake in the stability and development of Afghanistan. Pakistan has assured full support to the Afghan government and the international community in this regard. A stable peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan also guarantees peace, stability and prosperity in Pakistan’s tribal regions and beyond. However, the Foreign Minister emphasized that the neutrality of Afghanistan must be ensured. No country should be allowed to go beyond its legitimate mandate in Afghanistan.

Talking about relations with India, the Foreign Minister said that after more than a year of wasted opportunities, India has come round to resumption of dialogue. Pakistan has repeatedly impressed upon India that terrorism and extremism respect no boundaries and the only way to confront this menace is a more sustained and broad based cooperation between our two countries. Suspension of dialogue strengthens the very forces that the international community is committed to defeat.

Pakistan considers resumption of dialogue a positive development and hopes that the process starts in all earnestness as there is a lot of grounds to cover to make up for lost time. Unresolved disputes, lack of trust and cooperation are major factors that have kept this region mired in hunger, deprivation, squalor and poverty.

Peace and security in the region opens up the possibility of continental trade spanning the whole Eurasian landmass. Now that the reconciliation and reintegration process is about to be initiated in Afghanistan, and dialogue between India and Pakistan is to be resumed shortly, we have cause for optimism. Pakistan on its part would like to seize the moment and move forward in a sincere and purposeful manner. This sincerity and sense of purpose will be reciprocated by our interlocutors, he hopped.