Zardari asks US to prepare plan for Pakistan’s economic development

President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday urged the international community particularly the United States to prepare a ‘Marshall plan’ for Pakistan’s economic development and stability as terrorism has badly hit economy of the country. 

He said this during his one-on-one and delegation level meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Islamabad, presidential spokesman said.

“The people of Pakistan have immensely suffered during the ongoing war on militancy and terrorism. Therefore‚ the international community is under obligation to give our people peace dividend through massive economic assistance‚ energy development and greater market access,” the President said.

Pak-US bilateral relations‚ reconciliation in Afghanistan‚ drone attacks and global and regional issues were discussed during the meeting, the spokesman said.

President Zardari said the U.S. drone attacks violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and also cast negative impact on mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region.

He called for an end to the drone attacks and said that these strikes are counter-productive‚ entail loss of innocent civilian lives and also fuel anti-American feelings.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue to play its helpful role at restoring peace‚ stability and development in Afghanistan, adding Pakistan believes in regional peace and security.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to continue to fight the menace of terrorism till its logical conclusion.

John Kerry, who arrived in Islamabad late Wednesday, also met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the army Chief General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and discussed bilateral matters, focusing on war on terror.

Mr Kerry did not give any hint to stop the drone strikes despite repeated calls by the Pakistani leaders.

He delivered invitation to the Prime Minister from President Barrack Obama to visit the United States.

Mr Sharif also raised the issue of drone strikes and demanded immediate end to these attacks.

Both countries also agreed to revive the strategic dialogue, suspended in 2011 in November following the US attack on a Pakistani post and killing 24 soldiers.

Kerry was the first American official to visit Pakistan since the new government has assumed office in June.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=41099

Posted by Tahir Khan on Aug 1 2013. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.