ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has reminded the world that Pakistan is currently stage of one of the biggest fight against terrorism and an all-out military operation Zarb-e-Azb is in its final stage which has yielded very positive results. He expressed these views while addressing 1st Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the countries of Eurasia in Moscow on Wednesday.
He said that it was widely recognised that military action alone could not address the threat posed by terrorism and extremism. “Pakistan has, therefore, devised a comprehensive strategy with the name of National Action Plan (NAP) to effectively counter the menace of terrorism and extremism,” he said. “Under this comprehensive plan, extensive measures are being taken to inter alia develop a national narrative to counter the threats of terrorism and extremism.
There has been very encouraging I feel very proud to share with you that Pakistan’s Parliament played a vital role in creating a consensus in society and all organs of state for the formulation and Pakistan is fully conscious of the need for peace and stability in our region,” he said.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq warned the world that terrorism, insurgencies, secessionism, policies of intervention continued to play their role in the world politics and continued to affect millions. “Issues of economic, humanitarian, development and harmony continue to remain with us. Our immediate and extended neighbourhood is passing through difficult times.
The areas have suffered from many conflicts and factors of instability. Pakistan, therefore, is making efforts to promote peace and stability in our region and stands with the Middle Eastern countries as they grapple with new security challenges and threats to their stability,” he added.
The NA Speaker said that these were all tall challenges, but one thing was certain, that they could sit idle and just watch the fast-paced developments.
“Rather, we need to work for greater consensus and larger and sustained efforts to carve out peace and stability to bringpositive change in the lives of our people. I am certain that there is realisation of the gravity of the challenges. We have been witnessing different power blocks in today’s world, but it is a fact that coalitions and associations reign supreme and crises-cross within the ambit of national interest,” he maintained. He said that the foes of yesterday had become friends of today. He said, “The major difference is that diverging views on issues are acceptable and the communication corridors are being shaped in our view, the rise of Eurasia as the political and economic epicenter is fast becoming a reality.”
“We are living in a complex world. Developments taking place at a very rapid pace affect the basic fabric of our national and individual lives, systems and thoughts. We are passing through defining moments in terms of economic, regional, global and strategic developments. Changes in the global power equation and structure that we are witnessing today will shape strategic and economic developments in the pace of change are remarkable,” he said.
Discussing prevailing trends in the global politics he recalled that Europe was going through a difficult phase. “Asia is getting more empowered. China is on the march towards greater advancement and prosperity. Russia is resurgent. The EU has its own set of economic issues. Africa continues with its socio-economic problems which run parallel with its economic relevance. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) are growing at an accelerated pace. The creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is an important achievement. The SCO’s endorsement of China’s One Belt One Road would open many new avenues. However, we will need to overcome the challenge of terrorism and extremism to fully exploit the potential that exists in the Eurasian region. The enormity and scale of the challenge requires a comprehensive approach,” he said.
He told his interlocutors that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had a vision of a peaceful neighbourhood. Accordingly, Pakistan has been in the forefront of efforts to promote an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. Last year, Pakistan had the distinct honour of hosting the first round of direct talks between the Afghan government and Afghan Taliban. “We have offered our soil again for such Pakistan welcomed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action reached in Vienna last year. Its implementation and consequent lifting of sanctions on Iran is offering opportunities for greater economic interaction between Pakistan is also making efforts to resolve all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir, with India peacefully through dialogue.”
He assured the international gathering that their improved ties would benefit the entire region. He underscored that the Pakistan attached utmost importance to connectivity, overcoming energy deficit and development. “Pakistan and China have partnered to achieve these goals by agreeing to establish “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This Corridor will be built over the next years with Chinese investment of 46 billion dollars. Let me emphasize that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will benefit the entire region. Pakistan fully endorses the idea of interaction among the legislatures of the Eurasian countries. We, therefore, would support convening of such meetings periodically,” he added. The increase in people to people contacts, enhanced business and cultural exchanges would have a long term impact on the prosperity of the Eurasian region. The interaction in the field of security, intelligence sharing and fight against terrorism and narcotics, he said.