Pakistan rejects terrorism, extremism in all forms: defence minister

Khawaja Asif says the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb manifests Pakistan’s resolve to root out terrorism

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan rejects all forms of terrorism and extremism, Radio Pakistan reported.

While addressing the 6th Xiangshan Forum in China on Saturday, Asif said the ongoing military offensive in FATA, Operation Zarb-e-Azb manifested Pakistan’s resolve to root out terrorism from its soil.

Terrorism has ‘trans-regional impact’ and outreach because of globalisation that results in spillovers of conflict to various regions, the defence minister added.

Read: Will inflict heavy losses on India if war hysteria overcomes its leadership: Defence minister

Emphasising on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Asif said the development would improve the economy of the region, as well as connect the South and Central Asian regions.

Appreciating the presence and stance taken by the defence minister, chairman China Institute for International Strategic Studies said there was hope that such interactions between the countries would help evolve collaborative strategies  to overcome threat and security issues.