President Asif Ali Zardari says Pakistan and United States need to remain focussed to pursue long-term strategic ties, without being swayed by “misperceptions and some isolatedincidents.”Talking to visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan & Pakistan Ambassador Marc Grossman Monday at Aiwan-e-Sadr, he felt misperceptions and some isolated incidents may be used by some to increase tensions, mistrust between the people of two countries.
“Weakening of relations was not an option for both countries. We have to find ways to find acceptable solutions to all problems,” President’s spokesperson Farhatullah Babar quoted Zardari as saying.
Zardari said Pakistan has paid heavily in war against terrorism, lost thousands of men and suffered colossal economic toll. “No one should question Pakistan’s commitment or intentions as it was fightingwar against terrorism, suitable to its peculiar situation. Sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in ongoing battle against extremism were matchless.
He termed it “a long-drawn battle” where military means alone could not achieve complete victory as itwas a battle of hearts and minds. He said government adopted policy of dialogue, development, deterrence to effectively take on challenge posed by militants. Pakistani soldiers took on militants head on and nation pursued policies to wean away its youth falling into traps of militants. “World cannot afford non-state actors to dictate their policies to governments.”He said government inherited a weak economy, that was further stifled by war against terrorism and unprecedented floods. “It impacted our ability to provide opportunities to its people especially thoseworst hit by militancy.” He said he pleaded before world community Pakistan’s case for preferential trade to enable it fight effectively against militancy, terrorism which not only threatened Pakistan country but also regional and world peace.
He said timely international assistance, especially by its allies, in allowing greater market access to Pakistani goods would not only help overcome economic challenges but also augment efforts to win battle of hearts and minds with opportunities to those who faced countless miseries.
Pakistan as important regional player due to its geo-strategic location always worked for promoting regional stability, peace, has abiding interest in peace, prosperous Afghanistan and continue to support efforts to bring socio-economic prosperity in that country. “We support Afghan-led peace process.”
The two sides discussed ROZs, Pakistan’s call for US support to secure preferential trade concessions,reimbursement of CSF arrears, bilateral relations, progress in Strategic Dialogue. The meeting was attended by US Ambassador Cameron P. Munter, Defence Minister Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar & Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
Source: PPI
“Weakening of relations was not an option for both countries. We have to find ways to find acceptable solutions to all problems,” President’s spokesperson Farhatullah Babar quoted Zardari as saying.
Zardari said Pakistan has paid heavily in war against terrorism, lost thousands of men and suffered colossal economic toll. “No one should question Pakistan’s commitment or intentions as it was fightingwar against terrorism, suitable to its peculiar situation. Sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in ongoing battle against extremism were matchless.
He termed it “a long-drawn battle” where military means alone could not achieve complete victory as itwas a battle of hearts and minds. He said government adopted policy of dialogue, development, deterrence to effectively take on challenge posed by militants. Pakistani soldiers took on militants head on and nation pursued policies to wean away its youth falling into traps of militants. “World cannot afford non-state actors to dictate their policies to governments.”He said government inherited a weak economy, that was further stifled by war against terrorism and unprecedented floods. “It impacted our ability to provide opportunities to its people especially thoseworst hit by militancy.” He said he pleaded before world community Pakistan’s case for preferential trade to enable it fight effectively against militancy, terrorism which not only threatened Pakistan country but also regional and world peace.
He said timely international assistance, especially by its allies, in allowing greater market access to Pakistani goods would not only help overcome economic challenges but also augment efforts to win battle of hearts and minds with opportunities to those who faced countless miseries.
Pakistan as important regional player due to its geo-strategic location always worked for promoting regional stability, peace, has abiding interest in peace, prosperous Afghanistan and continue to support efforts to bring socio-economic prosperity in that country. “We support Afghan-led peace process.”
The two sides discussed ROZs, Pakistan’s call for US support to secure preferential trade concessions,reimbursement of CSF arrears, bilateral relations, progress in Strategic Dialogue. The meeting was attended by US Ambassador Cameron P. Munter, Defence Minister Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar & Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
Source: PPI
