Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday said co-operation between Pakistan and United States in enhancing the country's conventional arms capability was vital for ensuring peace in region. Pakistan wanted peace and it was essential to have credible defence for peace, he said while talking to a US Congressional delegation, which included members of US International Relations Committee.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan's nuclear programme was a guarantee for peace in the region and added it would maintain minimum deterrence to play its role as anchor of peace and stability in the region. Pakistan, he said wants peace with all its neighbours.
"We have initiated the process of composite dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues," he added. The Prime Minister underlined the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir needs to be resolved in line with wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
He expressed his optimism about the outcome of talks with India.
In Pakistan, he said the structural reforms in economic sector have made the country economically strong. The Prime Minister said a strong and prosperous Pakistan could play the role of anchor of peace in the region.
The government, said the Prime Minister, has been focusing on social sector reforms as well.
Infrastructural facilities have been developed to create enabling environment for investment in the country, he added. He told the delegation that Pakistan has increased expenditure on education and health-care so as to improve the quality and standard of living of its people.
The members of the US congressional delegation appreciated Pakistan's role in the region and in the world in improving peace and security. They assured help from the United States in improving education, health and infrastructure in Pakistan so that the country can progress at faster rate.
They appreciated the structural reforms introduced in Pakistan, which helped the country achieve economic sovereignty.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for the world to focus on eliminating the root causes of extremism. Deprivation in any form will have to be addressed to make the world a safe place to live in, he added. The Prime Minister said Islam is the religion of tolerance and moderation and teaches inter-faith harmony.
Pakistan being an enlightened moderate Islamic state provides freedom of faith and expression, he said and added that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and striving for peace in the region.