Multi-pronged strategy being evolved to fight terrorism, extremism: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday said the priority of the democratically elected government is to promote socio-economic development and ensure peace and stability in the country.While reiterating government’s resolve to fight terrorism and extremism, he said that a multi-pronged strategy is being evolved to confront the issue effectively as this is in Pakistan’s own interest. Prime Minister was talking to US Senator Russ Feingold, who called on him here at the PM House this afternoon. US Ambassador in Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson was also present during the meeting.Gilani stressed the need to address the root causes of terrorism which stem from socio-economic disparity and unresolved political disputes. He said Pakistan has been consistently fighting this menace and has sacrificed a lot in this regard, including the martyrdom of its leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.Prime Minister said that dialogue and economic empowerment of people in Fata is the key to addressing the issue of extremism in that region.He expressed the confidence that initiatives being undertaken in these areas would help increase economic activity as well as creating economic opportunities for improving the standard of living of the people. He stressed the need for expediting the legislation process in the US Congress for early establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in the areas bordering Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan accords high priority to its strategic relationship with the US. Pakistan is eager to enhance cooperation in the fields of defence, education, health, energy and science & technology, he added. He also called upon the US to provide greater market access to Pakistani products in the US. Prime Minister said that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan and the region at large.He said Pakistan believes that the international community should come forward and do more to accelerate the process of socio-economic development in Afghanistan.While appreciating Pakistan’s efforts in curtailing extremism and terrorism, Senator Russ Feingold said that the US and Pakistan have a long history of working together for ensuring regional and international peace.He said that the significance of Pakistan in the region cannot be ignored and expressed US desire for further developing a stable and multi-faceted relationship with Pakistan.The Senator expressed the confidence that democracy would lead Pakistan towards progress and prosperity.He said that the US Senate would be pleased to work with the new government and extend all possible support for the economic development of Pakistan.