Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday emphasised upon the need to resolve disputes in the region to promote bilateral and regional co-operation and to ensure peace. Inaugurating the fifth General Assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) here at the Convention Centre, the prime minister said, it is our firm belief that resolution of disputes in the region and enhanced bilateral and regional co-operation will mark the beginning of an era of peace and prosperity in Asia."
He said the co-operation among member states of the AAPP could ensure peace and prosperity in Asia, enabling the people to use their resources to mitigate the challenges of poverty and effectively counter the conditions that breed terrorism.
More than 200 parliamentarians from 32 countries of Asia are participating in the three-day deliberations of the fifth General Assembly session of the AAPP to discuss ways and means to promote peace, trade, friendship and mutual coordination among the member nations.
Shaukat said that Pakistan earnestly seeks amicable and peaceful relations with the countries in the region based on principles of mutual respect for each other's sovereignty. He said the ongoing composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India represents the desire to strengthen the peace process in the region.
The prime minister said, "We favour a comprehensive and integrated approach, whereby progress in our bilateral relations is predicated on progress towards the settlement of Kashmir dispute in line with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He said it is imperative that the process of engagement should be sustained to make the dialogue process result-oriented and successful.
The prime minister said democracy, development and peace are the long-awaited desires since ages, adding that democratic institutions working with complete freedom and sovereignty are a prerequisite for political stability.
He said democratic institutions in Pakistan are properly working and the people are enjoying their fundamental rights. He said media, both electronic and print, is also free.
The prime minister while extending Pakistan's full support to forums like AAPP hoped that it could provide a platform to the Asian countries to share their experiences, challenges, difficulties and success stories in different fields that can be replicated by others.
He said, "It is our clear understanding that we can better benefit from each other's experiences when we have mutual dependency and linkages."
Shaukat said the co-operation at the level of AAPP would strengthen not only the economic ties among the member countries, but also facilitate in cementing the people-to-people bonds that would promote peace in the region.
The prime minister said the AAPP should develop partnership with civil society, promote parliamentary exchanges and encourage people-to-people contact.
He said there is a need to establish a network of eminent personalities in Asia who can inspire the young generation and renew their faith in true democracy. He said it is gratifying to note that Asian youths are assuming leading position in industry, politics and public service.
The prime minister said the parliamentarians, gathered here in the fifth General Assembly Session of the AAPP represented the collective voice of the people of Asia, their concern and dreams.
He said the delegates from all the corners of Asia have a clear mission and vision to strive for a peaceful and prosperous Asia.
Shaukat said, "It is an opportunity to seize the moment to redeem the principles enshrined in the United Nations charter. It is need of the hour to turn the 21st century with an atmosphere, free from hostilities and full of opportunities for the future generations.
The prime minister said the message of peace and accelerated economic growth through interactive dialogue and mutual co-operation would be projected in the region.
He said he is confident that the Islamabad Declaration to be adopted by the end of this three-day session would provide a new vision for Asia and promote inter-parliamentary dialogue and co-operation to exploit full potential of Asia.
He said Pakistan is proud of its Asian identity, adding that it is the home to the three-fifths of the world's population.
He said Asia, over the millennia, has been a beacon of wisdom and knowledge and is the cradle of great civilisations.
Its history and culture, literature, art, cuisine, music and architecture and way of living have enriched humanity, he added.
The prime minister said the continent is blessed with immense potential and resources and had an edge over information technology, manufacturing, tourism services, and may other sectors.
He said there is a need to pool the resources and make sincere efforts for collective development and prosperity of the region.
Shaukat said today Asia is the hub of economic growth and it accounts for a quarter of global exports and one-thirds of the world economy.
He said China and many other Asian countries are success stories in the region, while others are fast catching up.
The prime minister said that it is essential to work towards comprehensive and integrated socio-economic development of the entire continent with a long-term strategic partnership for increased foreign investment, technology transfer, sharing of best practices, strong infrastructure and human resources development in low resource countries of Asia, which is vital for broad-based development and to address disparities across the continent.
He said the vision of development must be based on a sound foundation of international law, respect for collective aspirations of all nations, an urge for pursuing the common goal of peace and improving the standard of life.
He said Pakistan being a nation of 150 million people, situated at crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia and the Middle East, can be the anchor of peace, stability and prosperity for the entire region.
Shaukat said that the aspirations of the people should be included in the democratic process, adding that the most critical element of democracy is the transparency.
He said free and unhindered access to information relating to the functioning of government across all its branches is a must to ensure real democracy.
He said Pakistan has gone a long way in this respect and today, open and fair bidding has replaced back-door award of contracts.
The prime minister said free media is critical for the accountability of democratic institutions.
Earlier, AAPP President and Speaker of the House of Representative Philippines, Jose De Venecia Jr. while addressing the session said the fifth General Assembly of the AAPP is being held in Pakistan in recognition of the revival of democratic institutions.
Referring to various bilateral disputes in the region, he emphasised upon the need to resolve disputes of Kashmir, Palestine and other regional conflicts to ensure peace and development in the region.
He appreciated the composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India and hoped that it would lead to peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute.
He said the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) would be converted into an Asian Parliament like the European Parliament for better coordination among the member states.
The inaugural session of the fifth General Assembly of the AAPP was also attended by acting Senate Chairman Khalilur Rehman, National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, Deputy Speaker Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob, delegates from 32 countries, diplomats, federal ministers, senators and members of the National Assembly.
The Convention Centre was tastefully decorated for this conference, which is the first high-level international conference held in Pakistan after revival of the Parliament.