Pakistan will not allow its territory to be used for Terrorism
'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conveyed to the United States that it would not allow its territory to be used for terrorism said Secretary Defence Kamran Rasool.

During a meeting with the visiting US Acting Commander of CENTCOM Lt. General Martin E. Dempsey in Ministry of Defence on Monday Secretary defence said Pakistan had adopted a three-pronged strategy based on negotiation, economic development and the use of force, so as to contain and combat the menace of terrorism.

Both sides discussed the security environment of the region with special focus on Afghanistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

The Secretary briefed the Acting US Commander of CENTCOM about the counter-terrorism measures taken by Pakistan.

The meeting noted that it was essential to address the root causes of terrorism like illiteracy, unemployment and a sense of deprivation which were responsible for promoting and spreading terrorism.

The Secretary told the visiting dignitary that international efforts were needed to develop economic and social infrastructure as well as establish industrial zones in the tribal areas so as provide employment opportunities to the people. It would help in stemming the tide of terrorism.

The Secretary also informed Lt. General Martin E. Dempsey that the process of negotiation, initiated by the present Government, had started yielding positive results.

Lt. General Martin E. Dempsey said that his country was supportive to the negotiation process with the reconcilable elements. The process of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), initiated by Pakistan and India, also figured during the discussion.

The Sectary informed him the process of CBMs was moving in a positive direction and had brought normalcy on the Eastern border between the two countries.

The Secretary expressed the hope that these measures would ultimately lead to the resolution of all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India.●