PM, COAS, US envoy discuss regional situation

 

RAWALPINDI: The US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, James Dobbins, called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif respectively on Friday.
Besides matters of mutual interest, they discussed the regional security situation, the US drawdown and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. They also discussed the post-Afghan election scenario and situation on the Pak-Afghan border.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and US Ambassador Richard Olson attended the meeting.US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins also called on the Chief of the Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif, in Rawalpindi.

Besides matters of mutual interest, they discussed the Pak-US defence cooperation, security situation of the region, the US drawdown and situation on the Pak-Afghan border.According to the ISPR, during the meeting, issues of mutual interest were discussed. While the success of Afghan presidential elections was noted with satisfaction, the importance of stable and democratic Afghanistan was emphasized for regional security.

Regional peace prerequisite to economic development: PM

SANYA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the Asian countries to wage coordinated efforts for realization of the goal of economic prosperity.

He was delivering his keynote address at the Boao conference in China's Hainan province Thursday.

Nawaz said top priority should be given to the resolution of disputes as regional peace is a prerequisite to economic development.

The Prime Minister particularly appreciated China's economic revival and growth in the last several years.

Nawaz Sharif said the Asian countries should particularly focus on regional connectivity to strengthen mutual contacts through road, sea, and train links.

He said Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would open new avenues for the development in the region.

The Prime Minister said the Asian countries should take effective steps to tap the energies of their youth.

He said the Pakistani government has started the Prime Minister's Youth Business Loans scheme and announced scholarship for youth to integrate the youth into the national economic mainstream.

Nawaz Sharif said the government is also concentrating on overcoming the energy shortfall to ensure its economic development.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has emerged from the lengthy war on terror, which has negatively affected its economy, trade and industry.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang in his speech has called for strengthening of cooperation among the Asian countries.

He stated this while inaugurating the Boao conference in China's Hainan province this morning. It has been organised by Boao Forum for Asia.

The Chinese Premier said that development remains the top priority of the Asian countries.

He emphasized the need for shared interest and common development of the regional countries.

Li Keqiang said Boao Forum is significant for the economic development of Asia.

JUI-F Chief condemns attack in Kunming, says terrorism poses regional threat

BEIJING: A senior Pakistani religious scholar and Chief of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Fazalur Rahman said that terrorism has become a regional threat.

Maulana Fazalur Rahman, expressed these views while talking to Chinese Ambassador, Sun Weidong, Islamabad Tuesday, said a Xinhua news agency news report from federal capital.

The JUI(F) Chief said that Pakistan has all weather friendship with China and the people of both countries have supported each other in very difficult circumstances, the news report said.

He said that JUI-F has always condemned terrorist acts against Chinese people and it's government and will continue to do so.

He pointed out that militancy and terrorism has no future and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government was trying to deal with the problem through various options including dialogue and reconciliation as set out by the Parliament.

According to JUI-F spokesman, Jan Muhammad Achakzai, the party chief said that Islam is a religion of peace, stability and development and it is only possible after restoring peace.

He said that parts of Pakistan and China are suffering from terrorism so both countries have shared interest for securing their people against the menace.

The JUI-F Chief welcomed the ground work on Economic Corridor project by the Chinese government saying that this project will bring in enormous opportunities for Pakistan.

The Maulana said that being part of current coalition, JUI-F strongly supports Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government in attracting Chinese investment in Pakistan.

The Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said that China recognizes and appreciates Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism.

"Terrorism is the common enemy of the world, Pakistan and China. We see China and Pakistan as victims of terrorism. Terrorism is also a complex background. We want to cure the symptoms and roots of terrorism. But it should not be tolerated", he concluded.

China would want to further strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and China.

"We share the same common perspective and common dreams that China, Pakistan and other countries have so we should develop together", he said.

He said that restoring the old Silk Road will link China, Pakistan and Central Asia and beyond. Now planning of Pak-China corridor will help in practically restoring one part of that Silk Road.

He said the Corridor will link Kasgher to Gawadar port creating huge opportunities of cooperation and collaboration between the people of two counties.

"I appreciate the vision shared by Maulana Fazalur Rahman to build economic zones and develop economy in the region", said the Chinese Ambassador.