“Even the young, innocent teenage girl – Malala Yousafzai – could not escape the bullet of a terrorist…we hope her life will be a testimony of
the resilience of the Pakistani people," Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.
In her remarks, Khar said, “We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations. In the past decade, we have collaborated, as international community, to impede, impair, isolate and incapacitate the terrorist threat,” she said.
“We must attack and dismantle terrorist networks because they defy the writ of the state and kill civilians. And we must persevere in our efforts to deter and defeat terrorists militarily. And yet our success is – at best – only partial. It is conventional wisdom and a compelling reality that terrorism will not be defeated alone by law enforcement measures, or intelligence operations or military and security strategies. That is why we need a comprehensive approach.”
Highlighting the death toll in Pakistan’s terrorist attacks, Khar cited the deaths of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto, Awami National Party (ANP) leader Bashir Bilour and the attack on schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai.
“Even the young, innocent teenage girl – Malala Yousafzai – could not escape the bullet of a terrorist. She survived and we hope her life will be a testimony of the resilience of the Pakistani people,” said the foreign minister.
Khar stressed the need for a comprehensive approach towards countering terrorism, citing a need for giving preferential market access to areas ravaged by terrorism. “Pakistan's initiative in this debate is rooted in our shared desire for peace and security,” she said.
In his address, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his condolences to Pakistan in light of recent terrorist attacks, and reiterated his support for the Pakistani government’s efforts in countering terrorism. He also highlighted the case of Malala Yousafzai.
“I was deeply moved by her brave efforts for the fundamental right of education,” said Moon, “I am proud to call myself among her supporters and well-wishers,” he said, adding that Malala and her classmates have shown tremendous courage.
Addressing the UN Security Council, UK’s Baroness Syeda Warsi also expressed Britain’s support for Pakistan, saying, “As PM David Cameron has said, Pakistan's enemy is our enemy.”
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said that the efforts made by Pakistan against terrorism have been recognised by the world. Condemning the recent attacks in Quetta, he expressed his condolences with families of the victims and the wounded.
In her remarks, the US representative to the United Nations Susan Rice said, “I would like to express our condolences for the horrific attacks in Pakistan that killed more than a 100 people. The US stands with the Pakistani people in condemning these inhumane and senseless acts.”
Pakistan is the president of the UN Security Council for the month of January 2013.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2013.
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Terrorism which along with religious fundamentalism has been on of the greatest threats to humanity in modern times. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan very much like Republic of India is now facing the same problem on a rather large scale. The society in Pakistan is under the grip of the Muslim clerics who are playing a rather influential role in society as well as the politics of Pakistan. Doubting the intentions of Pakistan as a nation in their fight against terrorism may not be fair however they as a nation are finding it tough to tackle the problem of terrorism as well as religious fundamentalism which in turn has affected a smooth democratic functioning within that nation. There are various factors that are influencing the polity of the Islamic Republic and unemployment is one such major factor or reason. Until and unless this issue is addressed to along with eradication of the fundamentalist mindset within society fighting terrorism may not be as successful as desired. Hence besides law enforcement measures the need to address the economic issues as well as unemployment is equally essential for the Government of Pakistan.
Of course you can't!!!
Because the reasons for Terror are ideological, not poverty, not education, not some Foreign Agency. That is why the whole Muslim world is a potential breeding place of Terror.
With Pakistan's institutionalised brainwashing and hate-mongering against India, this is much easier in Pakistan.
Name one country in the Muslim world which doesn't have a sizeable population and a Terrorist has not been born. I dare ya..
I don't see any way out of it.. Other nations can, though, get out of the way of these Terrorists and seal their borders. When you can't find the "other", they will eventually turn on themselves, like its happening in Pakistan.
Be it Mali, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Ethiopia, all countries point to the same trend and they have just one ideology common in all of them..
Ms khar what is your output with India relations uptill now?
when will Pakistan clean it is Pak-Afghan border area from Taliban?
Crocodile Tears !!!
China is so funny !!!!!
So when will Pakistan address the issue of the various Terrorist/Militant organizations who openly reside in (and govern) the Waziristans/FATA regions, or are these "Good Taliban" Assets of the state not considered "Terrorists" by Ms. Khar and company???
for a solution, you have to be part of the solution, dont you think Ms Khar.