MOSCOW, Oct 26: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here on Wednesday that despite the after-effects of the devastating earthquake, Pakistan remained committed to combating the menace of terrorism and looked forward to intensify counter-terrorism cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Addressing the fourth Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, he said: “Our response to the devastating earthquake has not shaken our resolve to combat the menace of terrorism. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the war on terror.”

He said Pakistan’s successful counter-terrorism campaign has been fully acknowledged and appreciated by the international community. “We fully share the priority that has been assigned to this objective by the SCO, remaining ready to further intensify counter-terrorism cooperation with the organization.”

The prime minister, however, said that a permanent solution the problem of terrorism required a holistic and comprehensive approach.

“The war on terror must be accompanied by a struggle to win hearts and minds by resolving the root-causes of terrorism.”

He also stressed that it was important not to link Islam or any other religion to terrorism.

“Insidious theories such as about a clash of civilizations must be replaced by intercivilizations harmony and dialogue.”

Mr Aziz recalled the concept of ‘enlightened moderation’ advocated by President Pervez Musharraf, according to which Muslim societies must reform while the international community must help resolve issues that lie at the roots of terrorism.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to promote the principles and objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and to intensify cooperation with it in all fields.

“We would like to further develop and share our experience in counter-terrorism operations through participation in SCO counter-terrorism exercises, conferences and seminars.”

He said Pakistan would also welcome development of institutionalized economic and trade cooperation, especially in business, finance, banking and energy sectors.

“We are confident that such enhanced cooperation will add greater value to work of the SCO,” he said.

He said Pakistan could play an instrumental role in developing linkages between the ECO, Saarc and the OIC with the SCO. These sub-regional cooperation would enable sharing of resources and expertise, to the common advantage of all the parties, he added.

Mr Aziz referred to the “monumental challenge” the country was facing due to the Oct 8 earthquake which left a trail of death and devastation.

He said the quake affected more than 30,000 sq km with a population of 3.3 million, with the loss of life of over 50,000 and more than 70,000 injured. He said more than 2.5 million people had been rendered homeless while nearly 1.5 million lost their means of livelihood.

“The scars of this tragedy are deep and will last long. But the Pakistani people have responded with courage and fortitude.”

He said the crisis had galvanized the people and the nation had jelled together as never before. Help for the affectees has poured in from every corner of the country. He termed the next phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction beginning next month as “a colossal task” but added “we are convinced that we shall emerge stronger and better.”

He was appreciative of the sympathy and support from all over the world, including the SCO.

“SCO has been a source of strength for us in this critical hour of need. We thank you all for your generous support,” he added.

Referring to Pakistan’s quest for peace in the region, he said the country remains firmly committed to promotion of peace and security in its neighbourhood.

“Such an environment is critical for our economic and social development - the highest priority of our government. Such an environment is also a prerequisite for the promotion of regional peace, cooperation and development,” he added.

He said dialogue with India was a major initiative by Pakistan and reflected the policy of pursuit of peace through dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, especially the Kashmir dispute.

He said significant progress had been achieved towards reduction of tensions and implementation of confidence-building measures.

“We are hopeful that these developments will facilitate a just and durable settlement of the Kashmir dispute, a settlement that is acceptable to all the parties - Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris,” he stressed.

On ties with Afghanistan, he said Pakistan believed that a strong and stable Afghanistan was in the strategic interests of Pakistan.

“We have extended our fullest support to the government of President Karzai, aided the fight against terrorism, supported the promotion of democratic institutions and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country.”

He said Pakistan’s trade with Afghanistan was now over a billion dollars and growing.

Turning to the domestic economic scene, Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan’s revitalized and resurgent economy had the potential to become the engine for regional growth and development.

“Our strategic location at the cross-roads of south, central and west Asia can facilitate the emergence of multiple corridors of intra-regional cooperation.”

He also referred to the gas pipeline projects linking Iran, Pakistan and India as well as between Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He said the opening of a new deep sea-port at Gwadar, along with a road and rail network would pave the way for shared benefits.

“We are keen to further strengthen these linkages, and the SCO provides a viable framework for that purpose.”—APP