News
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
SAARC conference to help bring peace in region: Malik* Interior minister says conference will help develop strategies to fight terrorism
MALE: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday said that South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Interior Ministers’ Conference is a good platform to discuss regional anti-terrorism strategy and would be helpful in combating the menace.
While talking to media in Male, Malik said that interior ministers’ conference, starting Wednesday (today), could play vital role in bringing durable peace, stability and progress in the region. He said Pakistan and its armed forces have rendered great services for bringing peace in the country. The country has sacrificed its resources and lives to fight against terrorism, he added. Malik reiterated that war against terrorism would continue until the menace is eliminated.
He said that Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries are facing terrorism and there is a dire need of cooperation among the SAARC countries to defeat it in the region as well the world. He said Pakistani people have been suffering due to terrorism for the last 10 years as thousands of innocent citizens have lost their lives in the war against terrorism. The interior minister would also hold a meeting with his Indian counterpart to discuss issues of terrorism and security. Malik said Pakistan and India would have to play an active role in SAARC. Moderate visa policy between India and Pakistan would be beneficial for both the countries, he added.
Malik said that he would raise the issue of blasphemous film during the conference.
Meanwhile, the interior minister also held a meeting with the Maldives Interior Minister Dr Jameel and discussed issues of mutual interests. He said Pakistan would extend training to Maldives Police and law enforcement agencies and would also help the country to install biometric system. Dr Jameel said Maldives had a great respect for its relations with Pakistan and appreciated the country’s contribution and sacrifices in the anti-terrorism drive. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lankan interior ministers, secretaries and other relevant officials of SAARC are attending the conference. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk