'Conducive domestic environment pre-requisite for investment and trade': Prime Minister speaks at NDU

Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, accompanied by Defence Minister, Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Interior Minister, Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister, Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, participated as chief guest at the presentation titled "National Security Papers" of the National Defence University, here Tuesday.
The Prime Minister, on his arrival was received by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shamim Wynne and President NDU, Lieutenant General Agha Umar Farooq. Present in the presentation were also Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral M. Asif Sandila and senior officials of the three services.
The Prime Minister appreciated the presentation and asked pertinent questions from the panellists about national security. Following is the text of Prime Minister's speech delivered after the presentation at NDU:
"It is always a pleasure to visit the National Defence University. This is a premier national institution, excelling both in training and research. It has been a special privilege to attend the National Strategy presentations today. I commend the NDU and the participants for the high quality of presentations. Both topics- Non-kinetic Warfare and Strategic Relations with China-are important for Pakistan in this fast-changing world. The pace and complexity of change in all spheres in this 21st century requires that we accurately comprehend the dynamics at work.
We need to position ourselves to benefit from the enormous opportunities offered by technology and the ongoing profound transformations in the global political and economic landscape. Turmoil and turbulence has engulfed various regions of the world. Much of the developed world is witnessing recessionary trends. The world economy has witnessed structural changes.
Fiscal deficits, widespread indebtedness, unemployment and other related issues are impacting politics and governments. Strife and conflict is also in evidence in various parts of the world. It is, however, evident that Asia, as a whole, has done well economically. The economic fundamentals for Asia are positive. Traditional concepts of security no longer hold. Theoretical constructs of the previous century cannot serve as a basis to do what is necessary for safeguarding and promoting our national interests.
The concept of "non-kinetic warfare" is indicative of the need for innovative thinking. I am happy to note that the NDU presentation has brought forth multiple dimensions of this concept, which undoubtedly would contribute to better planning and more effective utilisation of our national resources. The presentation on strategic relations with China was also extremely important and useful. China is our closest friend and most reliable partner. The level of trust and confidence between our two countries has no parallel. Our time-tested friendship and robust partnership with China is not only a source of strength but also an important factor of stability and peace in our region. Both Pakistan and China are committed to further strengthening their relations, in all domains, and to give greater content to mutually beneficial economic and technological co-operation. Pakistan, as you all know, is undergoing a swift and profound societal transformation.
Democracy and democratic institutions continue to foster change, impelled also by information revolution, and Internet and the microchip. It is, indeed, remarkable that our people and institutions have not only been able to cope with the peace of change but also demonstrate immense resilience to the challenges that we face. On the social and economic front, there is a legitimate rise in expectations for a better life and for equal opportunity.
There is also a strong sense and sentiment that Pakistan has the capacity and the talent to work the economic miracle and be counted as a leading economy in the region. Indeed, our human and natural resources provide compelling reasons for not only hope but also genuine optimism about Pakistan's growth potential. Technology is a huge equaliser. Fibre optics, mobile telephony, computers, together with sound management, and ensure new opportunities for economic growth and erasing of disparities between and within regions and of class. A stable domestic environment is a pre-requisite for investments and trade. Democracy guarantees dynamic stability. It enables the creative forces of our people to find expression and full resonance for the socio-economic transformation of our country. Our institutions are stable and have a rich history and tradition. The Media Civil service, the Armed Forces, the Judiciary and above all the parliament are all anchored in Constitution, law, rules and traditions. While prioritising economic development to aggregate our national strength, we will continue to endeavour to create a stable external environment that is conducive to economic growth.
We are mindful in this regard about the prevailing geo-political situation and the advantages that accrue from Pakistan's geographic location as being on the crossroads of Central, west and South Asia. Pakistan supports the quest of the people of Afghanistan for peace, stability and development. We wish to see stability and prosperity spread its wings in South and Central Asia. We wish to further strengthen our fraternal relations with OIC member states.
We have reached out to states in the Fareast and South East Asia with a view to build mutually beneficial partnerships. We have dispensed with the notion of aid, and believe in trade. Comprehensive economic partnerships, Preferential and free Trade Arrangements, regional economic co-operation, connectivity, trans-regional trade and energy pipelines, exploration and extraction of our mineral wealth and flourishing of our agriculture and industry is bound to make Pakistan strong and prosperous. We believe that all institutions should perform their functions in their respective domains, efficiently and effectively.
Close co-ordination and co-operation - both vertical and horizontal- at the Federal and Provincial levels, is important. There is certainly the need to maintain a positive trajectory and pursuer it with full confidence. National unity, seriousness of purpose, faith in the aspirations of our people for peace and progress and their ability to persevere and overcome any and all challenges guarantees a bright future.
In all these endeavours, I appreciate the work of the National Defence University on issues of national importance. I would encourage you to continue to make your valuable inputs in formulating policies. In conclusion, I wish to compliment all participants for presenting excellent National Strategy Papers".-PR