Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif responded to Afghanistan President Karzai’s recent letter to him and other Pakistani political and religious leaders on the need for joint and close cooperation between the two countries in effectively fighting the menaces of terrorism and extremism.
In his letter Sharif expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Karzai for sharing his thoughts on the attack against the young and innocent Malala and said he was in full agreement with the President that the attack was a crime that can neither be ignored nor glossed over, irrespective of one’s personal beliefs or political affiliations. He said there can be no justification for acts of terror.
Sharif hailed President Karzai’s sentiments and feelings as noble and said, “Both our countries have suffered enormously from the scourge of terrorism”.
The PML-N chief said he was convinced that this huge challenge necessitated that all right thinking people, especially scholars and men of letters, come together and engage in a serious and sincere dialogue on ways and means of overcoming this menace. He said this was not only an attack on an innocent person by misguided or ignorant elements, but a symptom of a malaise that has afflicted society in many Muslim countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. Sharif said use of mere force against those engaged in acts of militancy and terrorism would not suffice. He said a far more comprehensive approach that included massive investment in education, job creation and administrative reforms and ensuring good governance would be essential to bringing about a meaningful change in the attitudes and the thinking of people.