Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called upon the world to stand united in promoting peace, advancing sustainable development and strengthening collective security.
Addressing the Inter-parliamentary Speakers' Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed the confidence that the nations can collectively build a world anchored in lasting peace and shared prosperity.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has always advocated for peace through dialogue and diplomacy. We firmly believe that peace and security forms the foundation of sustainable national and regional development.
He noted that the true value of peace is most profoundly understood when we are confronted with the conflicts that continue to plague our world. He mentioned that Pakistan, too, has faced this turbulence both directly and indirectly. However, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan unfortunately faced unprovoked aggression from the eastern front in the month of May. He said our highly professional armed forces displayed remarkable preparedness and performed outstandingly on the battlefield. He said their swift and decisive military action on land and in the air not only thwarted the enemy's designs but also demonstrated to the aggressor and the entire world Pakistan's iron resolve and determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. Having won the war, he however emphasized that we need to win peace through sincere and honest efforts.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said a peaceful Afghanistan holds the key to regional connectivity, growth, progress and prosperity. He said Pakistan believes in a peaceful neighborhood and has been striving hard for this purpose. He however regretted that militant groups continue to imperil peace not only within Afghanistan but also beyond its borders. Referring to the attacks on Pakistan's border posts last month, he said our response was firm and decisive, teaching an unforgettable lesson who attacked Pakistan.
He urged Afghanistan to understand that lasting peace can only be realized by reining in TTP and other terrorist groups operating on the Afghan territory.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the reforms undertaken by government to promote inclusive growth, institutional strengthening and the empowerment of youth and women.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has actively engaged with international financial institutions and development partners to foster fiscal reforms, climate resilience and investment facilitation. Our efforts are guided by the conviction that no nation can prosperous in isolation and that our destinies are linked with each other very closely. He said Pakistan believes in global interaction and multilateralism.
The Prime Minister emphasized Parliaments have a unique and indispensable role to play to bring about improvement in the lives of the people.
In his remarks on the occasion, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani emphasized that parliaments must serve as beacons of guidance. He called for collective thought, commitment and action, underscoring the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. He highlighted that dialogue should act as a bridge, fostering cooperation as the shared path forward for all.
Alluding to the challenge posed by Climate Change, the Chairman Senate said the parliamentary leaders should shape legislative agenda that recognizes its complexity, ensuring that national security remains rooted in equitable human development.