ISLAMABAD: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has said Pakistan has potential to play leadership role in the region.
US
secretary of state said this during her meeting with a delegation of
politicians and parliamentarians which called on her under National
Assembly speaker Dr Fahmida Mirza Friday. Delegation comprised Dr
Fahmida Mirza, opposition leader in national assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali
Khan, Asfand Yar Wali, Farooq Sattar, Salim Saifullah and Baloch leader
Abdul Malik Baloch.
A set of issues including democracy in Pakistan, US role and cooperation between Pakistan and US featured in the meeting.
Political
leaders apprised Hillary Clinton of their concern on US drone attacks,
US operation in Abbotabad and stance of their respective parties on
tension between Pakistan and US.
Hillary Clinton held out
assurance to political leaders her country wanted democracy and
democratic institution should gain strength in Pakistan. US would
continue any possible cooperation on this count, she remarked.
US
secretary of state commended the performance of parliament and role
being played by Dr Fahmida Mirza in particular for taking along all
political parties.
Terming the resolution adopted by All Parties
Conference (APC) positive step Hillary Clinton said “ US recognises
Pakistan geographical location in the region. Both the countries will
have to work together on both sides of Pak-Afghan border, she stressed.
Later talking to members of civil society Hillary Clinton said
anti US public sentiments prevailing in Pakistan which is recipient of 2
billion dollars annual US aid were embarrassing. Pakistan was the most
important country of the region and Pakistanis should come forward for
its development, she urged.
“We recognise geographical location of Pakistan. It has enormous potential for investment”, she remarked.
Hilary Clinton met with members of civil society, students and group of traders after her official engagements.
She
observed that Pakistan had capability to play regional leadership role.
Only 2 million people out of 160 million population of Pakistan pay tax
which was far less, she underlined. Online
