US's role as peace promoter in South Asia need of the hour: Iftikhar

Founder President of Pak-US Business Council Iftikhar Ali Malik, while welcoming US President Donald Trump's friendly gesture towards Pakistan during his speech at a rally in India, said the US role in South Asia had become more significant with respect to Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and the changing geopolitical landscape.

Iftikhar Ali Malik, who is also the president-designate of Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), said in a statement on Tuesday that Donald Trump's commitment for betterment of South Asian countries, especially developing harmony, was appreciable and Pakistan was ready to play a constructive role in developing deep-rooted linkages to help deal with all emerging challenges in the region apart from demonstrating an utmost commitment towards maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.

He further said Pakistan believed in regional development through the platform of Saarc as it was the way forward for peace and economic prosperity in the region.

The region had abundant human and natural resources, with one-fifth of the humanity and plenty of natural resources for regional uplift, he added.

The social charter of the organization was the real way forward and his country would support all initiatives by Saarc in this regard, he said.

He said, "We are among the least integrated regions in the world with cross-border trade and movement of people hindered by restrictive laws and extremely poor connectivity. Trade among ourselves is not more than 5 percent of our total trade volume which is negligible and that must be boosted manifold for the welfare of people of the region."

Malik said, "Our combined demographic might constitutes a talented and industrious population that accounts for a quarter of the world's human capital and emerging global market. No less is our contribution to science, technology, art, culture and trade. And we are well endowed with bounties of nature.

Indeed, any contemplation of our future gives cause for optimism and conjures the vision of enormous prosperity - not just for South Asians but for the rest of the world."

He emphasized the need for building people-to-people contacts through relaxed visa policy. "The visa liberalization policy is ideal as it could benefit South Asian countries in a multitude of ways, which also includes instilling of peace sentiments coupled with promotion of durable economic harmony."

Iftikhar Malik also appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan's sincere efforts to extend a friendly hand towards India for sustainable and durable peace in the region. "Our premier made it clear that Pakistan wanted good and friendly relationship with all its neighboring countries, and if India took one step forward towards restoration of peace in the region, Pakistan would take two steps in this direction."