February 24, 2006

By SOHAIL AMIN

Pakistan of today and tomorrow is not the Pakistan of yesterday. The Pakistan of today is a strong and vibrant nation of hundred and fifty million people. We are committed to a democratic, moderate, tolerant, progressive Islamic polity. Our country is richly endowed with human and natural resources. It is strategically located at the cross-roads of three vital regions of the world – South Asia , Central Asia and West Asia . We seek friendship and cooperation with the international community and especially with our neighbors. We are committed to a secure and stable world order based on freedom justice and equality. We are committed to seeking an end to poverty and the promotion of socio-economic development across the world. For these reasons, Pakistan is today an anchor for regional peace and security.

We have pursued a comprehensive and carefully calibrated policy for national reform and revival based on six broad elements which I believe are the essential ingredients of successful state craft. These elements are economic sovereignty, stable political process, good governance, internal security, credible defense and effective diplomacy.

Determined and sustained implementation of these elements of state craft has ensured a dramatic transformation in Pakistan over the last half decade. We have been able to reform, restructure and revive our economy; ensure the devolution of power to the grass-roots level; provide transparent and responsible governance including a vibrant opposition and a free media; ensure security and stability through enforcement of the rule of law; empower women and minorities and improve the delivery of social sector services, especially education and health.

In the economic field, we have based our reforms on the principles of deregulation, liberalization and privatization. As a result of these efforts, Pakistan is today on a high growth trajectory. We have achieved a growth rate of 8.4 percent, second only to China in Asia . Our agricultural, industrial and services sectors are growing rapidly. Foreign exchange reserves are at an all time high. Growth of the economy is attracting unprecedented levels of domestic and foreign investment. Exports are steadily increasing and diversifying into new and more areas. To sustain this momentum, we are now implementing a second generation of broad ranging structural reforms, especially in the areas of institution building, infrastructure development and investment in human capital.

As the same time, we are proceeding with the consolidation of our democratic institutions. The second local bodies’ elections were held in August last year. These will be followed by provincial and national level elections in 2007. We are confident that with unflinching commitment to the democratic process, we shall be able to live up to the hopes and aspirations of our people.

Pakistan ’s capacity to play an effective role towards promoting regional peace and security has been enhanced by closer relations that it maintains with the major world powers.

China and Pakistan have maintained extremely close and friendly relations for decades and are strategic partners for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. Recently, the two countries signed an agreement on friendship and Cooperation which shall not only enhance bilateral relations in all fields but will also be a factor for greater regional cooperation. Pakistan ’s relations with the European Union, as well as Russia , Britain , France and Japan are steadily growing. Apart from security cooperation, we are building strong economic and trade relationships as well as developing linkages in the educational, technological and scientific spheres.

Pakistan ’s location at the hub of Central Asia , South Asia and West Asia , ensures multiple advantages. It provides the shortest access to the sea for all the landlocked countries of Central Asia as well as western China . It is also fast emerging as the bridgehead for multiple corridors of cooperation between all three regions involving energy, trade, transportation and tourism.

Peace and security in our region has a major influence on global peace as South Asia is home to a fifth of humanity. If the countries of the region can turn away from tension and conflict and resolve the long-standing dispute of Kashmir , South Asia can be the focus of the next Asian economic miracle.

The Kashmir dispute has remained at the heart of tensions between Pakistan and India ever since our independence in 1947. For us, this is not just an issue of territory but of principle – the democratic principle of self determination which is the inalienable right of the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan has always extended its moral, political and diplomatic support for a just and peaceful solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiris. We are engaged in a sincere and purposeful dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues for bold decisions and ‘out of box’ thinking to resolve this long outstanding dispute. Given sincerity, courage and flexibility, we can work for a solution of the Kashmir dispute that is acceptable to all parties especially the Kashmiri people. Pakistan is prepared to show flexibility provided there is reciprocity from the other side.

We in Pakistan fell deeply about the travails and sufferings of the Kashmiri people. We have been calling on India to improve the human rights situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir. We have been pressing India to release all political prisoners without further delay. We have always emphasized the need to end violence and human right abuses in Indian Held Kashmir. In this context, president General Pervez Musharraf’s proposal of demilitarization from population centers is aimed at raising the comfort level of the Kashmiris. An enabling environment is necessary for the success of the peace process. Rigidity and violence must vie way to flexibility and positive engagement. We have taken several initiatives to ameliorate the hardships of the Kashmiri people.

The composite dialogue initiated by Pakistan and India encompasses all issues, including Kashmir . The CBMs have improved the atmospherics. But progress on the substantive issues, especially Kashmir is yet to be made. Progress on Kashmir must be in tandem with progress on all other issues. Meaningful progress towards a final settlement of Jammu and Kashmir , in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people, is essential for the sustainability and eventual success of the process. We are convinced that a solution can be found with determination, vision, flexibility and courage. Accordingly, we have made several proposals to India and we await their positive response. Pakistan will continue to be engaged in the composite dialogue process with a view to making it substantive, meaningful and result-oriented.

The tragedy caused by the devastating October 2005 earthquake has further strengthened the traditional bonds of affinity between Pakistanis and Kashmiris. The support provided by the people of Pakistan to the Kashmiri brothers and sisters amply demonstrates geographical, cultural and religious affinities between them. This natural calamity has only reinforced the fact that Pakistanis and Kashmiris are inseparable under all circumstances. We will remain steadfast in our resolve to support our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle for the right of self-determination.

Our approach to security and development in South Asia gives much weight to fostering cooperation for economic development in the region within the framework of SAARC. As chairman of SAARC, our contribution to this cause has been highly acclaimed.

I would describe the state of relation between Pakistan and Nepal as excellent. We are enjoying an everlasting relationship based on the principles of respecting each other’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in other’s internal affairs. These principles will continue to guide our relations.

There is a complete identity of views on regional and international issues with Nepal and there is no divergence or disagreement between the two countries at all. During 2005, several positive developments in augmenting our relations took place. The first ever bilateral visit of the Foreign Minister of Nepal to Pakistan in October last year gave a tremendous boost to our bilateral relations. Earlier, the meetings of the Joint Economic Commission and the Joint Business Council had taken place. Several Ministerial visits took place in the context of SAARC meetings and other multilateral events. The Finance Minister of Nepal attended the international donor’s conference held in Islamabad during November.

Our relationship is based on shared desire to expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Several agreements signed between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, culture, agricultural research, air services etc continue to guide our cooperative relationship. Other significant agreements are the establishment of Joint Economic Commission, Joint business Council and the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation. These agreements are complementing our efforts to enhance economic and trade relations.

I would like to express the appreciation and gratitude of the government and people of Nepal for the prompt and substantive assistance we have received in the aftermath of the devastating October 8 earthquake.

In conclusion, I would say that the tremendous sympathy and support expressed by the people of Nepal towards the victims of the earthquake will always be a reminder of the depth of relationship between the peoples and the governments of the two countries.

(Excerpts of a statement delivered by Pakistani ambassador to Nepal Sohail Amin on February 20)