Pakistan, Egypt to Play Vital Role in Projecting Islam's True Perspective
By Maria Khan 'Pakistan Times' Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, emphasising the need to promote interfaith harmony Sunday said Pakistan and Egypt can play important and significant role in projecting the true image of Islam to ensure peace and harmony.

Talking to a media delegation from Egypt here at Prime Minister House, he said the Muslim Ummah needs unity to resolve key issues including Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Kashmir for the progress and prosperity of the Ummah.

Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan and Egypt have very close and historic relations and they could play major role in the promotion of peace, harmony, war against terrorism and projecting true image of Islam in the world.

Giving details of various developments in economic, political and social sectors, the Prime Minister said due to these measures, the living standard of people has been raised.He said the economic policy of Pakistan is based on deregulation, privatization and liberalization and there is no restriction on investment in any sector from any country.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has fully functional democracy, vibrant opposition and free media.He told the Egyptian mediamen that there are over 50 private TV channels in Pakistan while the media is free to criticise the government and there is absolutely no pressure or restriction on the press.

The Prime Minister said the media is also positively responding to the freedom of the press.Referring to geo-political situation of Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, taking advantage of the situation, Pakistan has been developing its relations with all the countries in the region.

He said Pakistan is engaged in dialogue process with India to resolve all outstanding issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful means.Referring to Pakistan-China relations, the Prime Minister said China is strategic partner of Pakistan and both the countries have multifaceted and deep relations in all fields and are cooperating each other for development and peace in the region.

The first economic zone of China, he said is being set up in Pakistan with Chinese investment. Regarding relations with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said Pakistan wants peaceful, stable and strong Afghanistan and is extending full help and cooperation in this regard.Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan has concern for security and drug production in Afghanistan.

He said more than three million Afghan refugees are here in the camps and Pakistan wanted to send them back to their homes as some of the refugee camps are safe havens for the extremist and terrorist elements.

He said beside deployment of security forces, Pakistan is also introducing bio-metric identity card system for the Afghan refugees for easing their movement across the border while fencing selectively on the border.

On the Iran's nuclear issue, the Prime Minister said it should be resolved through peaceful means as use of force is not the solution to the problem.He said Pakistan has good relations with Iran and is negotiating for gas pipeline.Regarding Pakistan's relations with Middle East, the Prime Minister said Pakistan has very cordial, friendly and brotherly relations with countries of region.

He said the relations with Egypt has been further strengthened and he especially mentioned the investment from Egypt in the mobile phone sector and Pakistan's investment in Egypt in various sectors.

Replying to a question about reference against Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the Prime Minister said the whole process is in accordance with Constitution and law and the government will abide by the decision of Supreme Judicial Council.

On the political reforms, the Prime Minister said the democratic institutions including Local Government System and the assemblies are working. He said the assemblies will complete their tenure and the next elections will be held according to schedule.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan's foreign policy is driven by national interest and all the decisions by the government are taken without any external pressures.

Answering a question, the Prime Minister said no body can raise a finger at the President and the Prime Minister as both are working honestly only for the welfare of the masses.Referring to the potential present in the Middle East, the Prime Minister said all the Muslim countries together could play an important role in promoting the development in the area.●