ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United States (US) have underscored the need to join hands for sustainable peace and prosperity in the South Asian region.
The understanding came during a meeting between Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal and US Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan in Washington.
They discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and regional issues. The interior minister apprised the US deputy secretary of Pakistan‘s achievements against terrorism.
He said that after strenuous efforts and unprecedented sacrifices, peace and economic stability has been restored in the country.
He said that fighting terrorism is part of National Action Plan which was chalked out keeping in view national peace and prosperity.
He stressed that peace in Afghanistan is important for peace in Pakistan. He added that both Pakistan and United States should work together for peace in the region.
John J. Sullivan said cooperation between Pakistan and United States is necessary for peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan wants to build relations with the US on the basis of mutual trust and respect. He was addressing members of the Pakistani community in Houston.
He said that Pakistan is a sovereign and independent country and is not seeking US funding. He said that Pakistan has now become safer and a more peaceful country in comparison with what it was five years ago.
He said second Pakistani government is going to complete its term which is a good omen for democracy.
Ahsan Iqbal said that the government has made serious efforts to overcome energy crisis in the country and some eleven thousand megawatts of electricity has been added into the national grid, resulting in the reduction of load-shedding.
He said that today’s Pakistan is very different from what is portrayed in late night talk shows.
