SUNDAY OCTOBER 23: Energy corridors: Pakistan provides shortest routes, says Zardari

AMMAN: President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan provides the shortest routes to energy corridors to the world and its ports and territory offer most viable route from energy rich to energy starved countries. Pakistan is strategically located to exploit its economic and manpower potential for its own prosperity and of different regions of the world, he said while addressing World Economic Forum at The Dead Sea near Jordanian capital Amman on Saturday.
A special session "A Conversation with Asif Ali Zardari‚ President of Pakistan" was devoted to Pakistan at the Forum. Pakistan is located on political fault lines for being neighbour of Afghanistan which has been witnessing great game of the world power for decades. Pakistan has been affected by events in Afghanistan and natural calamities but its people have great resilience to withstand all such challenges, he noted.
Zardari said Pakistan has a huge population. China converted its population into an engine of economic growth and Pakistan too has the potential to do so as majority of its population is young. He said there was reverse brain-drain in countries. Pakistani manpower can take advantage of the phenomenon by offering services in different fields.
Pakistani universities are now producing engineers‚ scientists‚ doctors, nurses that can fulfil requirements of the world. "We are using latest technology in different spheres of life. The government has taken several initiatives to empower women and one of them was introduction of Benazir Card."
He said Pakistan is a responsible country and wants to contribute to make the world prosper. At the moment Pakistan is contributing largest contingent of soldiers to the UN peace-keeping missions around the globe. Replying to a question, President said there are wrong perceptions about Pakistan in relation to terrorism as the country itself is "a victim of terror. My spouse Benazir Bhutto too became victim of terror." In his introductory remarks‚ Founder and Executive Chairman of World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab said the world is looking to Pakistan to help confront new realities and realise shared goal of peace and prosperity.