A multi-donor trust fund will come up with sustained financial support for Pakistan's economic development and prosperity, declared British Prime Minister Gordon Brown here Thursday. Appearing jointly with President Asif Ali Zardari at the conclusion of Friends of Democratic Pakistan Summit, the British leader also announced 50 million Pound Sterling as British economic aid for development of tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.
The summit was co-chaired by President Zardari, President Obama and the British prime minister. In his brief statement, Brown applauded Islamabad's campaign to rid the restive border regions of violent extremism and bring stability to the region.
"We will support Pakistan's democracy," he stated after leaders of major economic powers from Europe, America and the Gulf region expressed their support for Pakistan. President Zardari said democracy is now back in Pakistan and the country is fighting against terrorists.
"Pakistan has offered countless sacrifices," he said reminding the world of the duty it owes to economic development of Pakistan, which is on the forefront of the fight against militants. The British leader commended the leadership of President Zardari and the role of armed forces for launching an effective offensive against the militants.
Brown said all member countries of the FoDP were unanimous in voicing their support for Pakistan towards addressing economic and security challenges facing the nation. Earlier, addressing the meeting, US president Barack Obama announced that the US Senate Thursday unanimously passed the long-awaited Kerry-Lugar bill.
Obama reaffirmed his administration's commitment to economic co-operation with Pakistan. In his opening remarks, President Asif Ali Zardari thanked the world leaders for their unprecedented support for Pakistan. He said the world recognises that "our struggle against terrorism must be fought not just on the battlefield, but in education, in health, in jobs, in trade and above all for the hearts and minds of our people."
Zardari said only a year ago, Pakistan was seen as weak and at risk. "Today, we are in a much improved situation. In our economic strength will rest our political stability. A stable, prosperous Pakistan is the world's greatest hope against the spread of extremism and terrorism." The success Pakistan has made "during this first year of democracy is not the victory of a man, but rather the success of all nations."
"We have fought the extremists successfully in our Swat Valley. It is a victory not just for Pakistan, but for democracies all over the world." "You have stood with us in our common struggle against the menace of terrorism." The president said democracy in Pakistan has given the people political ownership of the war against the militants "a battle we fight for ourselves and on behalf of all humanity."
"Our people have united against the ideology and tactics of the terrorists. We have shown resolve and determination." The Pakistanis, he said, have shown that they "will not be intimidated despite the heavy price our nation has paid in blood."
"Our courageous struggle that has succeeded in Swat and Malakand has put an end to this questioning." The FoDP meeting, he stated, is the best example of the international acceptance that Pakistan is on the front lines of the great struggle of this new century.
"With your help we have started reviving our economy. We still have a long way to go. Our relations with Afghanistan have entered a new phase of co-operation. We are working towards stability and peace in our region." "The steps we have undertaken have created a window of opportunity. It is a window of opportunity for conclusively defeating terrorism and reversing extremism," he stressed.
"It is a window of opportunity for bringing stability to our region on a lasting basis. We must maintain the momentum that we have generated. Together we must build a strategy for the long term. Our engagement and partnership must continue as the job is not yet done," he remarked. The President told Friends of Pakistan that the fight against militants is not going to be easy but the nation remains strong.
"Democracy in Pakistan has begun to deliver. We are determined to continue to deliver and give our people a stake in our success. It will not be easy. We will continue to face challenges. But in challenges there are opportunities. The stakes could not possibly be higher." "My nation is willing to the price. We are willing to do whatever is necessary to guarantee the values of liberty. For all of us in this room have learned long ago, one of the great lessons of history - Freedom is not free."
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