President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan is strategically located to exploit its economic and manpower potential for its own prosperity and that of the different regions of the world.
The President pointed out that Pakistan is located on the political
fault lines for being neighbour of Afghanistan which has been witnessing
great game of the world power for decades. He said Pakistan has been
affected by events in Afghanistan and natural calamities but its people
have great resilience to withstand all such challenges.
He was addressing the World Economic Forum in Jordanian capital of
Amman on Saturday. A special session “A Conversation with Asif Ali
Zardari, President of Pakistan” was devoted to Pakistan and its
potential.
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan provides the shortest routes
for energy corridors to the world. Its ports and territory offers the
most viable route for energy corridors from energy rich to energy
starved countries.
The President acknowledged that Pakistan has a huge population but
pointed out that China has converted its population into an engine of
economic growth and Pakistan too has the potential to do so as majority
of its population is young.
He said there was a reverse brain-drain in countries like India and
China and Pakistani manpower can take advantage of the phenomenon by
offering services in different fields. He said Pakistani universities
are now producing engineers, scientists, doctors and nurses that can
fulfil requirements of the world. He said Pakistan is using latest
technology in different spheres of life.
He said the present Government in Pakistan has taken several
initiatives to empower women and one of them was introduction of Benazir
Card.
He said Pakistan is a responsible country and wants to contribute to
make the world prosper. He said at the moment Pakistan is contributing
the largest contingent of soldiers to the UN peace-keeping missions
around the globe.
Replying to a question President Zardari said there are wrong
perceptions about Pakistan in relation to terrorism as the country
itself is a victim of terror. He pointed out that his spouse Mohtarma
Benazir Bhutto Shaheed too became victim of terror.
In his introductory remarks, Founder and Executive Chairman of the
World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab said the world is looking towards
Pakistan to help confront new realities and realize the shared goal of
peace and prosperity. SANA
