Pakistan rendered great sacrifices in war on terror: president tells SCO

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday said Pakistan had rendered unprecedented sacrifices in war on terror to bring peace in the region.

Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at Qingdao in China, he said law and order situation had improved in Pakistan due to the effective efforts against terrorism and extremism.

“Democratic values and democratic institutions have strengthened in Pakistan,” he said.

Mamnoon Hussain said peace and stability in Afghanistan was Pakistan’s common objective and it was playing its due role in this regard.

He said that ceasefire in Afghanistan was a positive sign for regional peace.

The president said Islamabad and Kabul were working on a comprehensive strategy on bilateral basis to establish peace in Afghanistan.

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Mamnoon Hussain said the CPEC was changing economic outlook of Pakistan which had been dubbed as the best destination for private investment.

He said nine industrial zones were being established in different parts of the country, which would offer special incentives to the investors.

The president suggested five point preferences for development of the region. These include investment, trade, e-commerce, railways and tourism.

Mamnoon Hussain urged the SCO to make collective efforts for poverty alleviation.

Mamnoon Hussain felicitated the Chinese government and the people of China on successful conduct of SCO Summit and said that Pakistan has issued special Postal Stamp on the eve of this event.

The summit was chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping which was participated by the Heads of State of SCO Member States.

President Mamnoon Hussain represented Pakistan on the event while presidents of Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and prime minister of India also attended the event.

The leaders of four Observer States of SCO; presidents of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia also participated in the meeting.

The Heads of State held a ‘restricted format’ meeting and exchanged views on contemporary regional and global issues.

They agreed to further enhance cooperation and mutual trust to realize the maximum potential offered by the organization.

They reiterated their commitment to the Charter of SCO and to the “Shanghai Spirit” which includes refence to mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development.

The Summit witnessed signing of over 20 documents outlining future SCO trajectory in a number of spheres.