ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence & Water and Power, Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Tuesday that a viable national security narrative is interlinked with sound economy.
He said that in the last 2-3 decades, the country's economy has suffered immensely due to energy crisis and terrorism.
Speaking on the occasion as a chief guest, on a two-day international conference on "Narratives of National Security" which is being organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace, Washington DC & Hanns Seildel Foundation Islamabad here on Nov 25-26.
He said that the Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has pledged for not having any interference in the Afghan foreign affairs. The minister added, "We should move forward for establishing good relations with Afghanistan. He said peace in Pakistan is not possible without restoring peace in Afghanistan. Peace in Afghanistan is imperative for regional stability, he added.
The Minister said that China has remained a reliable and trust worthy friend of Pakistan in the last 4-5 decades. The minister said that contracts worth $45 billion are being finalized with China. The projects would work in energy, infrastructure, railway, Gawadar Port, and other fields in the country.
He said that the relations with Russia have also been improved. Now, Pakistan is in stands in category `B' and is entitled to import from Russia. He said despite the sanctions, Russia is again emerging as a super power. The minister added that Pakistan must have sound relations Russia.
Khawaja Asif said, while visiting India, the Prime Minister demonstrated the vow to work for peace with India. But the situation on the borders deteriorated, he added. He said, "We want to resume the lasting friendship with India and want to pursue the path of peace and regional stability."
He said, the USA has been a partner of Pakistan in the war against terrorism. He said, however, the recent statement of US Defence Department is very much discomforting. He said, "We have a very robust Army, which is fighting war against terrorism, on which the Americans have doubts." The minister said, "We want to build trust between the two countries."
He said, in the last 2-3 decades, the country suffered a lot in the war against terrorism. The terrorists had targeted children, women, mosques, churches and temples. He said the terrorists are playing havoc with the country and posing a serious threat to the very survival of the country. But our commitment to the war against terrorism is unshakable and would continue to fight against terrorism.
He said, by 2017, the electricity and energy projects would be completed,adding that Pakistan is importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and soon would get rid from load shedding. He said the economy would soon be on the road to recovery, which will ensure national security. He said that security is badly needed in this time of turmoil and instability. He said, "We don't want hostility with anyone but we must be cognizant to know about what is going on in our surroundings."
Dr Rasul Bakhsh Rais, Director General ISSI said on the occasion that Pakistan has a good collection of mature intellectuals. He said that the Institute has distinguished scholarship programmes. The Director General said that the aim of the Institute is to invite national, regional, foreign and western scholars to make analysis of the security situation.
Dr Rasul Bakhsh said, "We have to create a society where ideas originate for developing a pluralistic society. He said the Institute provides choices to democratic leadership for formulating national security policy.
The conference is being attended by ambassadors, international organizations, scholars, governmental and non-governmental organizations, senior members of the diplomatic corps, armed forces and senior civil citizens. The participant speakers presented research papers on different dimensions of national security narratives.
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