Saturday, April 19, 2025

‘Pak worst terror-afflicted country’

Date:

Share post:

Islamabad: Pakistan has suffered more than any other country from terrorism, President Asif Ali Zardari said at a SAARC conference here.

Terrorism has claimed 40,000 lives in Pakistan and also caused economic loss of $80 billion, he said at the 6th meeting of SAARC speakers and parliamentarians Sunday.

Durable peace in the region was in the interest of all, he said, and urged the SAARC nations to join hands to fight extremism and terrorism.

The SAARC groups Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar also participated.

SAARC parliaments should lead efforts to protect political liberties, human freedom and the rule of law to promote regional peace, the Geo TV quoted him as saying.

Strong parliaments play a crucial role in ushering in reforms, Zardari said, pointing that the present democratically elected government in Pakistan will complete its term.

“We are well on our way to realizing democracy’s dividends,” he said.

In other news, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will visit Qatar for two days from Tuesday for dialogue on bilateral and regional issues, officials said Sunday. The issue of raging Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan is also likely to be discussed during the visit.

The president will hold talks with Qatar’s Emir and the prime minister with particular focus on promoting trade and investment ties in a bid to boost bilateral ties, an official was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

During his visit Zardari will also meet eminent Qatari businessmen and invite them to invest more in Pakistan. (IANS)

Related articles

RCB batters look to rise above PBKS’ spin challenge

Bengaluru, April 17: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s push for a maiden home victory this season will depend on their...

Axar terms McGurk as game changer

New Delhi, April 17: Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel conceded that his team has struggled with shaky starts...

Comedian Nate Bargatze to host 77th Emmy Awards

Comedian Nate Bargatze has been chosen to host the 77th Emmy Awards, which will air live on CBS...

Chinnaswamy not a batting paradise anymore: Bhuvneshwar

Bengaluru, April 17: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is no longer playing...