SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industries Senior Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik on Saturday condemning the Indian aggression in wake of Pulwama attack stressed upon the need for sustained, structured and result-oriented parleys between India and Pakistan to defuse the current tension which is hazardous for the whole region.
Talking to a traders' delegation led by President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Eng Daroo Khan Achakzai, he said friendly relations with all neighbouring countries especially India on the basis of mutual confidence and cooperation are our priority but we want India to must take steps to resolve the core Kashmir issue according to the UN resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri freedom fighters to provide solid ground for peace in the region.
He said that international community should not play the role of silent spectator on the issue as violation of human rights in occupied Kashmir is creating unrest in the region.
He also called upon India to resume truest building measures process with sincerity and good intention for long-lasting durable peace. He further said the SAARC countries ought to join hands to make the region an abode of peace, progress and prosperity. He said the economy has to be the most important agenda for SAARC nations despite political challenges and compulsions. He emphasised that the implementation of the "noble goals" in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) would be successful only when SAARC countries present a united front.
Iftikhar Malik also said whole of the nation stands united under the dynamic and sagacious leadership of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan against any external aggression and expressed whole hearted solidarity with valiant armed force of Pakistan to deal effectively in external adventure. He said the PTI government has taken result oriented steps to bring political stability by bringing all political opponent parties on the same page in the wake of India threat. He said stability is a key to making the country an economic giant and this is only possible when all political parties sit together setting aside their political differences to chalk out a comprehensive economic plan for the betterment of the people of Pakistan.
On this occasion, Daroo Khan said Pakistan had all resources to become an economic giant but only need is to set directions with zeal, courage and sincerity. He said that Pakistan's huge mineral resources could help get rid of the economic ills.
He said that in the world, trade partnership is being promoted and trading blocs are being made, therefore, we also have to improve trade in the region. Pakistan is hopeful of neighbouring country to review its attitude for the cause of regional peace and prosperity, he added.