ISLAMABAD, (APP): Diplomatic experts have said
that the governmernt’s consistent and steadfast efforts against
extremism and terrorism have gained international recognition
improving the country’s image significantly.
Commenting on the telephonic call of US President Barack
Obama to Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the experts Thursday
said it was highly appreciative and encouraging that Pakistan’s
sacrifices and contribution in the war against terrorism was
acknowledged at high esteemed international level.
President Obama had called the Prime Minister to extend his
condolences on the Lahore tragedy on Wednesday evening, in which he
also appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in
the anti-terror effort and expressed the belief that Pakistan
would succeed. Obama also reiterated the U.S. commitment to
partner with Pakistan against terrorism.
Talking to APP, defence and decurity analyst Lieutenant
General (Retd) Talat Masood appreciated President Obama’s
encouraging remarks acknowledging Pakistan’s sacrifices as
it was striving for long to eliminate terrorism and extremism to
ensure peace in the country and the region as well.
He said the Prime Minister’s decision to cancel his visit to
the United States also manifested his sense of responsibility
and the US administration’s reaction in that regard was also
positive.
Former diplomat Fauzia Nasreen said the timing of
President Obama’s telephone call was important as a suicide
attack had hit the Lahore city while some elements were trying
to create chaos in Islamabad.
Expressing sympathies with the people and the government
of Pakistan was significient, she added.
She lauded the government’s decision to release only
those protestors, who were not involved in arson and that showed
that the rule of law was being established in the country.
She said the recognition by the US President would also
have positive impact for Pakistan in the region as it had
got very solid evidence of Indian involvement in destabilizing
it.
She opined that the US Administration could be well
aware of the Indian involvement in Pakistan and their public
statement was not necessary in that regard.