ISLAMABAD: SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former President Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday strongly advocated the cause of achieving durable peace in the region, an essential prerequisite for economic growth, development, and prosperity for all countries of South Asia.
Presiding over a virtual conference on ‘The role of Afghanistan for durable peace in the region,’ Malik said that South Asia has long been plagued by conflicts and instability that have hindered the progress and potential of the region.
He said that one of the main concerns contributing to this instability has been the presence of terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, which have posed a severe threat not only to this country itself but to neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
Counter-terrorism Cooperation to Achieve Peace
He further said that close counter-terrorism cooperation and collaboration with regional and international stakeholders, particularly Pakistan, to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan can help eradicate the breeding grounds for terrorist elements and bring about much-needed stability.
Malik emphasized the importance of taking economic integration initiatives in South Asia, saying that enhanced economic cooperation can create an environment conducive to peace, development, and prosperity.
Malik said he believed that by taking these measures, the Afghan Taliban government could play an important role in shaping a more secure and prosperous region, which would foster economic growth, improve standards of living, and create a brighter future for all countries in South Asia.
He stressed supporting efforts towards peace and development in the region, saying that Afghanistan can become a beacon of hope and stability for the whole region. He also hoped that Afghanistan would flush out all sanctuaries of the armed militants on its soil.
