Zardari urges SAARC countries to join hands against terrorism

Pakistan

Zardari urges SAARC countries to join hands against terrorism

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President Zardari has said that masses support is mandatory to fight against menace of terrorism.

04 November,2012 08:19 pm

Opening the three day Conference of the Association of SAARC speakers and parliamentarians in Islamabad on Sunday‚ President Asif Ali Zardari said the region should adopt a collective approach to face the common challenges and explore the opportunities for the benefit of our peoples.He said the SAARC parliaments should plan and lead efforts for solving complex issues. By protecting political liberities‚ human freedoms and the rule of law‚ the parliaments can promote regional peace and security.The President said Pakistan is committed to the Charter of SAARC and believes that durable peace in the region is in the interest of all.President Zardari urged the regional countries to join hands to fight the menace of extremism and terrorism. He said no country has suffered so much from the menace as Pakistan.He said there is a need address the issue of illegal drug trafficking which is serving as a financial source for militancy.Emphaszing upon greater people to people contacts between the regional countries‚ the President said dialogue among the SAARC parliamentarians will have long lasting and positive impact on the situation in the region and help achieve the ideals of peace and stability.He pointed out that the SAARC has a population of 1.6 billion and the SAARC parliaments should come up with a strategy to ensure food security for the region.Referring to democratic transition in South Asia‚ the President said democracy is a prerequisite for economic development and political stability. Strong parliaments play a crucial role in ushering in reforms and ensuring efficiency and transparency of the governing structures.President Zardari said the government in Pakistan has taken bold decisions to empower the parliament. He said a democratically elected government is nearing the completion of its term and soon we will achieve a peaceful democratic transition. He said we are well on our way to realizing democracys dividends.The President also congratulated Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza on being elected as the chairperson of the Conference of SAARC Speakers.