Pakistan seeks global strength to curb extremism, terrorism
DM Monitoring

WASHINGTON—Stressing the importance of a multilateral approach to addressing the problem of extremism in the long-term perspective, Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan sought understanding of Pakistan’s comprehensive efforts in the tribal border region and called for strengthening the country’s hands to meet the challenge.
The top Pakistani career diplomat underscored the complexity of the issue and urged patience as “nothing can be done overnight.” In a wide-ranging interaction, organized by the Council on Foreign Relations Wednesday evening, Khan also noted that Pakistan and the United States have a strong relationship and saw a realization on both sides that the two allies must foster their relationship over the long-term.
Pakistan, he said, is striving to address the complex problem through a holistic approach involving socio-economic development and political and administrative measures. There is no simple solution to the problem, he declared. “Nothing can be done overnight - people will have to be understanding and patient with us. “We are making this effort, first and foremost in our own interest ­ but the world has an interest in the success of our effort — and therefore we also have certain expectations from the world, particularly from the United States, with whom we have a stronger relationship.”
Dilating on his point, the foreign secretary referred to the vital significance of cooperation in bolstering economic development in the federally administered tribal areas through investment and trade opportunities. He particularly referred to reconstruction opportunity zones initiative and said the volume of trade generated from these designated zones to the US market will make a critical difference to these areas.
He also spoke of Pakistan’s sustainable development plan for the areas for which the US will provide $ 150 million every year for a period of five years. “The socio-economic development is the key to war against terrorism ­ it is key to success in countering extremism.” “So we do seek understanding and help from the United States,” he said and added Pakistan is also approaching Europe to do something for Afghanistan and for affected tribal parts of Pakistan.
As far as the US administration is concerned, he later said in reply to a question, “there is an understanding of the challenges we have and that is why as I said there is a deep awareness that there must be a sustained and strong relationship between the two countries because that is helpful for both.”
In answer to a question, he opposed the notion of “reliance on military action alone” in combating extremism and terrorism and stated it cannot be a solution to the problem, neither in Afghanistan and nor in the tribal regions. Riaz Khan disagreed with a participant who suggested there seemed to be a pause in Pakistan’s confronting the problem in tribal areas as the country passes through political transition.
“There is no pause as the deployments are there ­ so I don’t think there is that kind of a pause in thepolicy,” he stated. The foreign secretary highlighted Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts, recounting that the country has deployed close to 100,000 troops in the tribal areas and has lost 1000 of troops.
“This shows the seriousness of the effort and seriousness of the challenge.”—Agencies