Pakistan is global leader in war on terror: PM

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, center, attends the International Counter Terrorism Forum in Islamabad, Pakistan. (AP)

• Pakistan has made unprecedented sacrifices, fought terrorism using its own resources, and ‘won where the rest of the world failed.’
• Terrorism in Pakistan is orchestrated from ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan: Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is the global leader in the war on terror, which it has fought “on behalf of the whole world,” Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Thursday.
Pakistan has made unprecedented sacrifices, fought terrorism using its own resources, and “won where the rest of the world failed,” he said during his closing speech at the three-day Islamabad International Counter Terrorism Forum, organized by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
Abbasi urged the international community not to ignore atrocities committed in Indian-administered Kashmir against Kashmiris struggling for the right to self-determination.
Peace in Afghanistan can only be achieved through dialogue, not war, he said. Terrorism in Pakistan is orchestrated from ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan, he added.
The forum showcased a documentary on Pakistan’s transition from a terrorism-ravaged nation to a progressive state.
Speaking at the forum, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan’s vision is to become “a formidable power,” and to maintain cordial relations with its neighbors and the world.
Terrorist incidents have “considerably” declined, and “terrorists will find Pakistan more determined than ever” if they challenge the writ of the state, he added.
Asif urged neighboring countries not to allow their territory to be used by terrorists against Pakistan. “It’s the destiny of our country to rise and shine,” he said.
Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi underscored the importance of bridging the gap between Pakistan and key nations, and forming a united front against Daesh.
“Terrorism is taking a new form in the shape of ISIS (Daesh),” he said. In 2016, 65 countries were affected by terrorism, but last year the number went up to 77, he added.
NACTA plans to hold another forum next year following the success of this one, which was attended by several hundred people, including diplomats, religious scholars, academics, researchers and students, the organizers told Arab News.