Terrorism is a grave and pervasive threat that destabilises societies and which must not be associated with any faith or culture and must be countered and rejected by addressing both its manifestations and the root causes, said Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan on Tuesday.
Addressing the General Debate of the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly, he said the growing terrorist threat was reflected by the “failure of the international community to address festering disputes” and its inability to offer opportunities and benefits offered by the phenomenal advances of technology and globalisation for global betterment.
Pakistan concerned: The foreign secretary said Pakistan was deeply concerned over the situation in Iraq, adding that peace could only be achieved in the region through dialogue, mutual cooperation and tolerance. He said resorting to use of force over Iran’s nuclear issue could “lead to incalculable consequences” for the sensitive region.
He said Pakistan was fighting Al Qaeda and other terrorist elements with resolve and determination. He said a large number of Pakistani troops have lost their lives in the war against terror and noted that the government has plans to bring about socio-economic reforms in the Tribal Areas to combat extremism. Khan said Pakistan rejected “irresponsible comments and insinuations” casting aspersions on Pakistan’s intentions and efforts.
Taking note of Pakistan’s peace process with India, he said bilateral relations had greatly improved in recent years. He said the two countries must now use the conducive regional environment to address all major problems, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He said Pakistan was “pursuing a solution that is acceptable to India, to Pakistan and above all to the people of Jammu and Kashmir”. Khan also took note of the US-India nuclear deal, stating that Pakistan has concerns over strategic stability, which it would maintain despite its firm opposition to an arms race in South Asia. He said the country was also interested in developing civil nuclear power generation under international safeguards.
He said Pakistan’s nuclear assets were for defensive purposes only. “I wish to reaffirm that our strategic capability is solely for deterrence and defence,” he said.