Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said Pakistan had taken all possible measures to stop illegal movement of weapons and drugs along its porous borders with Afghanistan, but urged the other side to do the same.
"We are doing our bid, and will encourage the other side to do the same as a border has always two sides and is a joint responsibility," he told media on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
Expressing grave concern over the growing cultivation of poppy in Pakistan's immediate neighbourhood, Shaukat Aziz said there were similar concerns of supply of illegal weapons into the country.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan had taken effective measures and particularly referred to the deployment of over 80,000 troops on the Pak-Afghan border to effectively check any illegal movement across the frontier. He said Pakistan had nabbed a number of terrorists and would continue to play its role.
Shaukat Aziz said a stable Afghanistan was in the interest of its own people as well as in the interest of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was seeking to build corridors of energy, transport and trade with the Central Asian Republics for which stability was a pre-requisite.
He expressed a cautious optimism about the composite dialogue process with India to resolve the "core issue" of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and other outstanding issues, saying it would open new vistas of co-operation.
On country's role in the war against terrorism, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan's strong commitment to combat the menace and added the scourge needed to be dealt with effectively. He also called for addressing the root causes and stressed concerted efforts by the world.
The world needs to engage with Iran to resolve its controversial nuclear stand-off with the West, and Pakistan was willing to play a role in helping reduce tension in the region in a peaceful settlement of the matter, Shaukat Aziz said.
He warned that use of force against Iran will 'create complications and challenges' besides having a global impact on the supply of oil and gas.
"If Pakistan can help reduce tension and create an environment for peace, we will play our role," the Prime Minister said.
He rejected the question that Pakistan's role was being perceived negatively on the Iranian nuclear issue. "Don't put words in my mouth and you are the first person to say that," he told a foreign reporter, adding that on the contrary Pakistan's role was being appreciated to bring a peaceful resolution to a "very complex issue."
In his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, the Prime Minister said Pakistan fully supported an independent homeland for the Palestinians and urged the early resolution of the issue of Palestine for lasting peace in the region.
Shaukat Aziz said resolution of Palestine issue was vital for peace and stability of the region and the world. Mahmud Abbas appreciated Pakistan's support and informed the Prime Minister about the steps taken by his government for improving the situation for Palestinian people. He said resolution of the issue was vital for peace in the region.
Shaukat Aziz left here for home after attending the annual World Economic Forum summit on Middle East.