LONDON: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday has said that Pakistan is committed to the prevention of nuclear proliferation and our commitment to fight terrorism has been unswerving.
He expressed these views in his address at International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London on “Imperatives for Peace & Prosperity in South Asia - Pakistan’s Perspective”.
Foreign Minister said Pakistan and UK enjoy a deep lasting relation and Since 9/11 new chapters have been added to Pakistan-UK relations. These new dimensions include our strategic partnership in the fight against terrorism and extremism and the common endeavour to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.
“South Asian region has a concentration of about 1.5 billion people with its woes that are deep-rooted and a cause for human sufferings for decades. Mired in poverty and backwardness, its people have suffered for long and have paid in terms of economic deprivation, adversely affecting the very social fabric of South Asian societies.
The country is now passing through a transition phase with the government laying the foundation of a long term strategy to address the complexities and challenges that I just mentioned”, He said
He said South Asia is also gravely affected by the energy crisis and in this context Pakistan is seeking to pursue international gas-pipeline options, with which we hope we will position ourselves as an energy hub for South Asia and possibly China through the port of Gwadar.
The Foreign minister said that we are playing an active role in the international campaign against terrorism as a frontline State and our commitment to fight terrorism has been unswerving notwithstanding the threats terrorism poses today and the terrorist attacks Pakistan has had to face due to its principled position.
“Our message to terrorists is clear and unequivocal. We will not allow our territory to be used by terrorists and we will not be daunted by the threats of terrorism. At the same time, let me also make clear that Pakistan will not allow foreign troops to operate inside its territory. Military action within our territory is the sole prerogative of the Pakistani armed forces”, he emphasised.—Agencies