Growing region: Pakistan needs to realise its full potential, said Aziz

Urges US to play a balancing role in bringing stability to South Asia .

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can be a key player being part of the crossroads of Asia, however, it still has to realise its full potential in order to act, said Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

The adviser was expressing these views on Wednesday at a seminar titled “Crossroads Asia: Dynamics of Peace and Progress”.

He stressed that though central Asia was the second-largest natural resource region, it lacked a central authority.

“As the United Stated and western powers look towards the east, it is important for the Asian continent to realise its strength, identify their politics and show its independence in global politics,” he said.

Aziz further said that in this time, South Asia’s geographic position gives it added advantage at being at the crossroads of West, Central and East Asia.

“Asia’s importance has been growing through centuries,” he said adding that the region has been home to the greatest civilizations and empires of all times.

“After decades of turmoil, Asia transformed itself dramatically, and since the 70’s, it has increasingly become the global geo-economic gravity”.

He added that 2014 was a landmark year for change in Afghanistan, which has now taken matters in their own hands and is a developing economy.

“The new Afghan government must be given political and economic support,” Aziz urged.

In conclusion he said Pakistan expects the US to play a balancing role in bringing strategic stability to South Asia.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2015.