WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has reiterated that Pakistan has unwavering commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Talking to a six-member delegation of US Journalists from various media organizations in Washington DC, the ambassador said that Pakistan would not let its soil be used to launch or even plan attack against any other country in the region.
The ambassador told the delegation that Pakistan has made tremendous progress on security and economic fronts and is on the path of sustainable economic development. He said that perceptions about Pakistan were trailing behind and there was a need to look at Pakistan with a fresh perspective.
Aizaz Chaudhry briefed the US journalists about the tremendous sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and the tangible results achieved on ground.
The Pakistani envoy said that the successful military campaign Zarb-e-Azb has helped in clearing adjoining areas near Pak-Afghan border. He said that the results of counter terrorism operations have salutary impact on our economy as all economic indicators are pointing upwards. He said that investment is flowing in Pakistan from many countries in the world including the US.
Commenting on Pakistan-US bilateral relations, the ambassador said that both Pakistan and the United States by working together for decades have benefitted and we believe that Pakistan and US should continue working together in future as well.
While responding to a question on Afghanistan, Aizaz Chaudhry remarked that peace in Afghanistan is imperative for the peace in the entire region. He said that history bears testimony to the fact that instability in Afghanistan always has a spillover effect in other countries of the region particularly Pakistan.
The ambassador said that Pakistan will actively take part along with other partners in finding out a political solution of the Afghan issue.
The US journalists met the Pakistani ambassador before undertaking upcoming visit to Pakistan organized by International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ).
In this regard, Aizaz Chaudhry greatly appreciated the efforts of ICFJ in organizing Journalist exchange programs, sponsored by the US State Department.
The envoy said that ICFJ takes American journalists to Pakistan and invites Pakistani Journalists to the US on regular basis. He said that such exchange initiatives promote harmony and better understanding about different cultures and faiths and bring people from both the countries closer to each other.
