Narrative is not acceptable, PM tells world

TAHIR AMIN

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday said that Pakistan emerged victorious in war against terrorism, where the world failed to cope with the challenge and it’s time for them to ‘do more’ as Pakistan has played its due role.

“We do not accept the narrative that there are sanctuaries in Pakistan that are bringing instability to Afghanistan. That is not the truth. In fact today, unfortunately, the reverse is true. The people instigating terrorism in Pakistan are based in Afghanistan,” the PM said. He further said that no other country is more interested in peace in Afghanistan than Pakistan. Pakistan is the first country that faced the impact of instability in neighboring Afghanistan, he added.

“We have fought a world war against terrorism and now it is turn of the world to do more,” said the Prime Minister while addressing at the concluding session of the three-day “1st Islamabad International Counter Terrorism Forum (IICTF), organized by National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) to highlight Pakistan’s endeavors and achievements in the war against terror.

He delved into the issue of how terrorism invaded the borders of Pakistan, recalling a time when Pakistan was safe from terrorists and the infiltration of drugs. He said that the Afghan invasion brought major changes in the region, which particularly impacted Pakistan.

Noting that terrorism has now become a global challenge, the Prime Minister took pride in the fact that Pakistan has been victorious in defeating a monster, where the rest of the world has failed. Cities like Karachi that were once declared as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, have recovered from the catastrophe with courage and grace.

“Pakistan is a leader in the war against terrorism. Tell me the name of another country which sent 200,000 soldiers to fight terrorists,” said Abbasi, adding that international community should play its role in addressing the causes leading to extremism and terrorism.

Pakistan defeated the same enemy, on the same terrain and with its own resources. He said the world needs to recognize Pakistan’s achievements and sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

The PM further said that war is no solution to Afghan issue. Pakistan supports dialogue to achieve peace and the government is ready to facilitate it. For the first time Pakistan has started fencing the border to protect its borders and check terrorism.

He mentioned the recent bombing at a religious seminary in Kunduz in which tens of young children were killed and said, “This is what breeds radicalism and extremism.”

He further said that the Army Public School Peshawar incident became a turning point and the entire nation resolved to develop a strategy to counter terrorism. The nation stood united in the fight against terrorism, he added.

Radical actions were required to root out the menace of terrorism, he added. “If you look at the polling stations, the people of Pakistan have always rejected radicalization. We have countered extremism by developing a public stance on terrorism,” he said.

The PM paid special attention to the terrorism permeating the Indian Occupied Kashmir. He called upon the international community to accept the reality prevailing in Indian Occupied Kashmir where 17 young innocent lives were claimed in cold blood last Sunday. Abbasi stressed that the Kashmir issue can only be resolved through the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution calling for a plebiscite in the area.

The PM said the country is progressing economically and said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would open up the country to Europe and Central Asian Republics.

He said the growth rate is expected to reach over 6 percent owing to the several bold initiatives of the government. He said his government stood firm in putting the economy back on track as he believes that it is the biggest check on terrorism.

He further said that cabinet has approved ban on the use of private ownership of automatic weapons for which a law would be put in place.

Sherry Rehman, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, gave insight on the need for inclusion of women in all settings of society for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan, presenting the notion that it’s not just a few good men that are needed to undo the effects of terrorism, but a lot of women are involved in the process as well.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Member National Assembly and former foreign minister of Pakistan, discussing Pakistan’s march towards stability, shed light on the internal and external challenges faced by the country. Despite such challenges, Pakistan remains a resilient nation willing to fight back and reverse the effects left by terrorism and extremism, he noted. He lamented that National Action Plan (NAP) was not implemented in true letter and spirit.