Addressing at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, a prestigious British think-tank, Mr Qureshi said: 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, he also made clear that Pakistan had subscribed a comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism that includes political, economic and military measures to find immediate and long-term solutions to the problem. The international community will have to ensure that the right of peoples to self-determination is not de-legitimised by associating it with terrorism. The two are clearly distinct and this distinction needs to be maintained through an agreed legal definition of terrorism.
24 July 2008: The Nation
By Asif Mehmood
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the West needs to trust us as Pakistan is concerned and is serious in dealing with terrorism but we will use force as a last resort. We will not allow foreign troops to operate inside our territory. Military action within our territory is the sole prerogative of the Pakistani armed forces. We are political people and will not surrender to extremists, he said.
Addressing at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, a prestigious British think-tank, Mr Qureshi said: 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, he also made clear that Pakistan had subscribed a comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism that includes political, economic and military measures to find immediate and long-term solutions to the problem. The international community will have to ensure that the right of peoples to self-determination is not de-legitimised by associating it with terrorism. The two are clearly distinct and this distinction needs to be maintained through an agreed legal definition of terrorism.
He said Pakistan is facing challenges like the conflict in Afghanistan and the unresolved Kashmir dispute. Resolution of these issues is an imperative for peace and economic prosperity of the region and its people. Afghanistan became a base for extremist forces, comprising mostly of foreign elements, who had come to oust the Soviet Union. Qureshi said Pakistan supported the government of President Karzai and its efforts to help restore normalcy and stability in Afghanistan. An Afghanistan at peace with itself is important for Pakistan and vital for the stability and economic progress of the entire region, he said, adding: We therefore call upon the international community to help restore Afghanistans past glory and to help in its reconstruction and rehabilitation.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is fully aware of the threat to Afghanistans sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are doing all we can to ensure that our territory is not used as a staging ground for attacks into Afghanistan however, it deeply hurts us when there are accusatory statements from Afghanistan that we are endangering their peace and sovereignty. Nothing can be far from the truth. We want a stable and viable Afghanistan to play its due role in the betterment and development of the region, Qureshi said.
While speaking on the Indo-Pak ties, Mr Qureshi said that in the interest of peace and progress in South Asia, there has to be a normalization of relations between Pakistan and India. We are working with India through a composite dialogue process to resolve all issues including Kashmir to ensure durable peace in the region. We have demonstrated sufficient resolve and flexibility in order to seek a peaceful solution of this problem. It is upto India to do the same so that the people of South Asia can have the opportunity to live in an atmosphere of peace, stability and prosperity, he said.
On the nuclear proliferation issue, the foreign minister said Pakistans nuclear capability must be viewed in the context of Indias pursuit of the nuclear option and our overall security concerns. Pakistan does not seek regional domination or great power status. We do not threaten any country and wish to live in peace.
Our strategic capabilities have been developed in self-defence following the Indian nuclear test of 1974 that disrupted the security balance in South Asia and provided a nuclear edge to India. Pakistans atomic tests made South Asia more secure and helped prod India and Pakistan to better relations and to commence talks on Kashmir. He said we have proposed a strategic restraint regime to India. We also believe that induction of antiballistic missiles would have a destabilizing impact on the entire region. Pakistan is committed to the prevention of nuclear proliferation and has developed a fool proof command and control structure to protect our strategic assets. Furthermore effective export controls are in place, he added.
APP adds: Qureshi said his country desire a similar nuclear deal with US as it has done with India. The Foreign Minister said Indo-US nuclear agreement must not be discriminatory in nature. Pakistan should be eligible for the same facility, he said citing countrys growing energy requirements and needs.
He said Pakistans co-operation with NATO forces in Afghanistan remain positive.
On the reported purchase of agricultural lands by UAE in Pakistan, the Foreign Minister clarified that the lands were being leased out to make them more productive through the use of modern technology.
