By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that effective counter terrorism efforts have dismantled the surge of terrorist networks in the country.
He was addressing the 4th Round of US-Pakistan Bilateral Dialogue held in the capital, Islamabad on Monday with the title ‘Convergence amid Divergence: Identifying Pathways to Cooperation in a Challenging Environment’.
The Foreign Minister said , with self defence and self-interest as our first priority ,we are fully committed to protect the sovereignty of our motherland, Radio Pakistan reported.
Khawaja Asif said, in the era of challenging and complex international relations, states should focus on long term partnerships and cooperation.
He said with peace and stability in Afghanistan as our ultimate goal, we have been and are ready to extend every possible cooperation to achieve that end.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan has also reached out to other regional countries and regional fora like SAARC in its efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
Khawaja Asif said intelligence sharing is imperative for improving border management with Afghanistan. He said the United States should share timely intelligence and Pakistan will take action itself.
Regarding US south Asia Policy and the role of India, Khawaja Asif said America has assured us that New Delhi’s role in Afghanistan will be limited to economic assistance only.
He said Pakistan welcomes mediation by United States in easing its ties with India as Pakistan has always opted for comprehensive dialogue for peaceful neighborhood.
He emphasized that SAARC should be activated and steps taken for promotion of regional trade as the region has long been suffering due to instability in Afghanistan.
Khawaja Asif said it is unfair to blame Pakistan for whatever ails Afghanistan have toady as Pakistan has eliminated terrorism from its soil after great sacrifices and now there are no terrorist safe havens here.
