Future lies in trade not in aid: Gilani

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fight against terrorism saying the cowardly acts of terror couldn’t dampen Islamabad’s firm resolve to eradicate the menace.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the 6th D-8 Summit which was opened by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi here. The D-8 comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.

The theme of the meeting was ‘Meeting Challenges Through Innovative Cooperation’.

Among the other leaders who attended the summit included Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bangladeshi’s Chief Advisor to the Government Fakhruddin Ahmed and Secretary General of D-8 Dr Dipo Alam.

Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang handed over the group’s presidency to the host Malaysia for a period of two years at the opening session.

Talking about the menace of terrorism and extremism facing the world, Gilani, in his address, said Pakistan had suffered the most due to terrorism adding, “Our great leader former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was martyred by terrorists.

He said such cowardly acts would never dampen Pakistan’s firm resolve to fight against terrorism and extremism.

The Premier said, “We are following a multi-pronged approach in dealing with extremism that combines the use of political, economic, administrative and military measures.”

Describing peace and stability as indispensable for socio-economic progress, Gilani said Pakistan and India had made positive progress in their dialogue during the last many years. He said, “We are seeking peaceful resolution of our all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”

The Prime Minister said Pakistan was committed to peace and stability in the region. However, there was a need to move from conflict management to conflict resolution to achieve a durable peace and security in South Asia.

He called for the promotion of intra-trade and increased economic cooperation among the eight developing Muslim nations. “It is in trade and not in aid that the future of D-8 lies,” Gilani added.