Nation united against terrorism: PM
ISLAMABAD, Mar 3 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the whole nation is united and committed to fight against terrorism at all cost and would not allow the extremist tendencies to spoil the social fabric.The Prime Minister was talking to the Swiss Economic and Business delegation led by Dr. Martin Dahinden, Director General of Swiss Development Cooperation that called on him here at the PM House.The Prime Minister said Pakistan being a frontline state against terrorism, had paid a huge price in terms of human lives and economic losses. “Our resolve to fight this menace would continue as we consider it as our own war,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government had adopted the policy of deterrence and development to tackle the menace of extremism and terrorism.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is passing through challenging times and global recession as well as increasing oil prices have further compounded its economic difficulties.
He said despite these pressures, the government was committed to economic reforms agenda to stabilize the economy.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would welcome foreign investment and had designed its policies accordingly to attract foreign investors.
The successful working of 18 Swiss companies in Pakistan, he said, signify the confidence of foreign investors in the conducive environment.
He thanked the Swiss Government and the people for the timely assistance during the floods. He called upon the international community to fulfill its commitments and pledges made during the Tokyo Conference for the implementation of socio-economic development plans.
Reciprocating the sentiments expressed by the Swiss delegation over the assassination of Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, the Prime Minister said it was a great loss to the country.
He said it was for the first time that he had celebrated Christmas in church last year.
Dr. Martin Dahinden, leader of the Swiss delegation on behalf of the Government and people of Switzerland expressed condolence on the death of Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs and assured that they stand with Pakistan in its fight against extremism and terrorism.
Dr. Martin said that he does understand the difficulties, Pakistan was passing through and assured that they were committed to continue their humanitarian assistance programme and enhance it further.
The Swiss humanitarian assistance programme, he said, is also meant to target the poor and venerable section. He informed that he would be visiting different flood affected areas to see the impact of relief and rehabilitation work done so far and assess the needs for future.