Pak-US Business Council greets Obama

Pak-US Business Council has extended felicitation to US President-elect Barack Obama on his "historic victory" in the race to White House, and stressed free market access to Pak products. Founder Chairman Pak-US Business Council, Vice President Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan Chapter said in a statement issued here on Friday.
"Barack Obama's victory could mean less use of American force in resolving world conflicts, and more respect for smaller nations", he said. He observed that Obama's victory is seen as bringing change and hope to the world. As America's first black president, his victory has shown that Americans can accept a leader regardless of colour, religion or beliefs, he said.
He urged the newly elected US President to announce lifting of all economic sanctions and provide direct free market access to Pakistan exporters, especially in textile and garment sectors. Iftikhar Malik observed that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani always attached great importance to stronger, lasting and cordial friendly relations with USA. He expressed that US President should also reciprocate these sentiments by lifting all the economic sanctions.
"United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC) has always been urging for increased and strong commercial relations with Pakistan. USCC are the most important channel for contacts in the US for the promotion of trade ties between the two countries", he dilated.
He said Pakistan in prevailing scenario would continue to fight against terrorism world over, as Pakistan in itself had been the victim of terrorist activities. He said western countries and their print and electronic media as well as US must understand that the religion Islam is a universal religion which firmly believes in peace, international brotherhood and equal rights for all human beings irrespective of their cast, creed and colour and strongly condemn the acts of terrorism.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said there was a need for presenting Islam in its true perspective in the US and appealed to Barack Obama to dispel false notions, which have vitiated the atmosphere and spread scare and mistrust. "This is necessary to restore the relationship to the level of pre 9/11 days", he said, adding that good working relations between USA and Muslim Ummah would lead to world peace and mutual trust.