Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that without eradication of extremism and militancy, peace and prosperity can never be achieved. He said that Pakistan was determined to get rid of militancy and asserted that 40 thousand Pakistanis had laid down their lives against the war on terrorism, to safeguard the world.
Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistani nation is paying a heavy price for this war and western countries ought to acknowledge the role being played by Pakistan in war against terrorism. The Chief Minister was talking to German media representatives in Berlin, Friday. He said that no other country in the world has been badly affected by war against terrorism as Pakistan has and the time has come to adopt a new way of thinking for playing a purposeful role against war on terrorism. He said that a terrorist is just a terrorist, who has no religion, caste, colour or specific area. He emphasised that those who play with innocent lives do not belong to humanity.
He said that there is no difference between terrorism and drone missiles, as both are spilling the blood of innocent people. He said that drone attacks are not beneficial at all, but, instead, have become the source of anti-American sentiment in the area. He said that friendly countries ought to help Pakistan in stopping the drone attacks.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the serious situation that exists in Pakistan is not fully realised and unnecessary demands are made which increase the existing problems of Pakistan. He said that the role of Germany for the promotion of peace in South Asia is of great importance, and called upon Germany to play its effective role in peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan, after the foreign armies leave the country. He said that Pakistan considered peace in Afghanistan in the best interests of both countries. The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has created a conducive atmosphere for investment in Punjab and all necessary facilities were being provided to foreign investors under one roof.
He called upon German companies to benefit from existing vast opportunities of investment in Pakistan, especially in Punjab. He said that recent reconciliation move between Pakistan and India would also benefit the economy of both the countries as now Pakistan and India have no other option but to initiate mutual commerce and trade. He added that western countries can utilise Punjab as their base for commerce and trade with India.