Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here Saturday the internationally recognised broad-based comprehensive reforms undertaken in Pakistan during the last seven years have repositioned and revitalised the country which is now included among the eleven countries on the verge of economic take off.
Addressing a session of the World Economic Forum on "Success stories in development" he said on their other hand political reforms in Pakistan have ensured good governance through transparency and accountability.
He said there has been devolution of power at grass roots level, with elected representatives running the affairs at the district, provincial and national levels, with representation for women and minorities.
"Pakistan today has an active parliament, an independent judiciary and free media," he said. The Prime Minister said the economic reforms are based on the principles of deregulation, liberalisation and privatisation and they have ensured sustained annual growth at an average of 7 per cent over the past four years.
He said the government has also focused on improvement of the health delivery system, promotion of literacy and improving educational standards, empowerment of women and protection of minorities.
Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan has now embarked upon second-generation reforms including enhancement of infrastructure, development of human capital and building a knowledge-based economy. He said the lessons of Pakistan''s experience of implementing the reforms could be useful for other countries facing similar challenges.
"We also believe that it is not the business of the government to be in business; the government should be a facilitator and a regulator while the private sector should be allowed to drive growth." The Prime Minister said the international community, especially the western powers, also need to play a supportive role to help bring peace and stability to the region which is also in their own interest.
Shaukat Aziz said the international community must facilitate efforts to resolve the disputes and conflicts raging in the region. They must help in finding just and durable solutions to these issues, as then it would be possible to remove the root causes of terrorism that threatens the entire international community.
The Prime Minister said the developed countries also must support efforts for socio-economic development in the Middle East region and asked them to provide market access, encourage investment and joint ventures and ensure transfer of technology.
Referring to interfaith harmony, the Prime Minister said it is also necessary for the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds to bridge the increasing gap between them through interfaith dialogue and understanding. Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslim minorities must also end, he added.
Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan would continue its efforts to promote interfaith harmony and dialogue. He said Pakistan has also put forward the concept of enlightened moderation for reform of Muslim societies as well as resolution of issues in the Muslim world with the help of the major powers.
He especially mentioned the efforts being made by Pakistan to address the challenges confronting the broader Middle East region and the Islamic world and the country''s key role in the international campaign against terrorism. The Prime Minister said Pakistan has repeatedly advocated resolution of the root causes of terrorism, the disputes and conflicts that are breeding injustice, frustration and anger among Muslims, leading to extremism and violence.
Referring to President General Pervez Musharraf''s efforts to resolve the Middle East problem, the Prime Minister said President Musharraf recently visited several Muslim countries to build support for a just and peaceful solution to the issues in the region.
He said Pakistan remains highly concerned over the escalating spiral of violence in Iraq and fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and deeply regrets the sectarian violence in the country. The Prime Minister said the international community must make every effort to help the Iraqi people bring this tragedy to an early end.
He said Pakistan supports negotiations to remove tension over the Iranian nuclear program and opposes any use of force. He said Pakistan believes that Iran must honour its international obligations.
Referring to Afghanistan situation, the Prime Minister said peace and security in Afghanistan is in the strategic interest of Pakistan and the region. "We fully support the Bonn process and have provided extensive support to the government of President Karzai and will continue to do so." He said Pakistan and India are engaged in a dialogue process to resolve the Kashmir dispute, emphasising that a just and durable solution of the issue must be based on the wishes of the Kashmiris.
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