SAARC chamber of commerce and industry former President Iftikhar Ali Malik Sunday strongly advocated the cause of achieving durable peace in the region,an essential prerequisite for economic growth, prosperity, and development for all countries of South Asia.
Talking to a delegation of traders led by Muslim Khan Buneri from KPA here today he said South Asia has long been plagued by instability and conflicts that have hindered the region’s progress and potential. One of the major concerns contributing to this instability has been the presence of terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, which have posed a severe threat not only to Afghanistan but to neighboring countries, including Pakistan,headded.He said counterterrorism cooperation and collaboration closely with regional and international stakeholders, especially Pakistan, to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, can help eradicate the breeding grounds for extremist elements and bring about much-needed stability.
About economic integration,he said we must embrace economic integration initiatives within the South Asian region and enhanced economic cooperation can create an environment conducive to peace, prosperity, and development for all.He said being popular octogenarian trade leader of South Asia he firmly believed that by taking these steps, the Afghan Taliban government can play a pivotal role in shaping a more secure and prosperous South Asia ,as this , in turn, will foster economic growth, improve living standards, and create a brighter future for all nations in the region.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said we remain committed to supporting any positive efforts towards peace and development in South Asia and are hopeful that, Afghanistan can become a beacon of hope and stability for the entire region.
He hoped that Afghanistan will flush out all armed militants sanctuaries on their soil which he concluded posed threat to Pakistan security forces which are targeting paramilitary and law enforcing forces in KP and northern Baluchistan claiming the lives of innocents.—APP
