Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said there were several options available to tackle terrorism, but the use of force would only be used as a last resort.
In an interview to Turkish media, the prime minister stated that force would be used as a last resort as the government wanted to avoid further loss of life.
“Our challenge is to root out this menace (terrorism) from our midst. Pakistan needs cooperation and support of international community and our neighbours for controlling funding, supply of arms and training to terror networks.”
The prime minister said his government was ready to hold dialogue with those who were ready to shun extremism.
To a question regarding Pakistan’s relations with India, the prime minister said recent tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) were a matter of concern. “Pakistan will continue to respond to the situation with restraint and responsibility.”
Nawaz said Pakistan was committed to a serious, sustained and constructive engagement with India that must include the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Asked about the US drone strikes in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas, the prime minister said they not only violated the country’s sovereignty and international laws, but were also counterproductive and led to further radicalisation.
“These strikes undermine our collective efforts to counter extremism and terrorism. We hope that there is a rethink in the US about the utility of the drone strikes.”
The prime minister said his visit was aimed at putting in place institutional mechanisms‚ which would provide a strong platform for further cementing economic ties between the two countries.
He called upon Turkish businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest in Pakistan in sectors like energy‚ infrastructure‚ engineering and agro-based industry.
Nawaz said Pakistan had liberalised its economy and was successfully marching towards market economy. He said the private sector had assumed the role of frontline player in the economic field. He said Pakistan was an investor-friendly country and offered equal treatment to local and foreign investors. He said that all sectors were open for foreign investment under complete legal protection.
Nawaz said peace and stability in Afghanistan was directly linked with peace and stability in Pakistan, adding that his government would continue to extend sincere support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.