President Asif Ali Zardari has said that no one should question Pakistan’s commitment to fight war against terror as it has made greater contributions and sacrifices than any other country.
In an interview with a leading Turkish newspaper, president pointed
out that Pakistan has sacrificed over thirty-six thousand innocent men,
women and children besides suffering direct economic loss of over 70
billion dollars. We have also lost our greater leader Shaheed Benazir
Bhutto.
To a question about Pakistan-US relations, the President said Bin
Laden issue is history and Pakistan is looking forward to a new chapter
of relations with the United States. He said we should look forward into
future and ensure that the militant mindset is defeated.
He emphasized that sooner we stop public criticism and finger
pointing at each other and coordinate our resources, the better it will
serve the cause of peace and stability and in the fight against
militancy. He said our relations should be based on respect for
sovereignty and mutual trust.
Asked to comment on President Karzai’s remarks that his country
would side with Pakistan if attacked by any other country, President
Zardari said we should talk about peace and not war. Democracy always
favours dialogue over confrontation. He said decades ago the
international community got together in an unprecedented unity to defeat
a rival ideology but abandoned the region leaving us at the mercy of
those who are now killing our people. This is a historical fact and the
international community owes it to Pakistan to support it in the fight
against militant mindset.
About bilateral relations with Turkey, the President said we are one nation living in two state.
He said under the present arrangement, visa is not required for
holders of diplomatic and official passports. Our eventual goal is a
visa free regime for all our citizens and also working towards the
currency swap agreement to enhance the bilateral trade. SANA
