Fatemi suggest in-depth study to identify terrorism

• Aide says terrorism must be addressed comprehensively, in all its forms

Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi has said that terrorism as a subject of in-depth study required a deeper understanding of its root causes, so as to be challenged on the intellectual plain.

“Any presumptuous or reductionist approach to its study could lead to dangerously wrong propositions, he said while delivering a lecture to Saudi diplomats at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Diplomatic Institute, a newly-established think tank in Riyadh, at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Adel Al-Jubeir.

In the course of his lecture, Fatemi talked about the changing global order, says “we stand today at the cusp of monumental changes.” He referred to terrorism as one of the greatest challenges confronting the world. He highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which were based on common history, religion and culture.

He emphasised that Pakistan’s relations with the kingdom were of a strategic nature, particularly as they were being regularly strengthened by their shared views on regional and global matters. He dwelt extensively on the regional and global political environment, both in the current and historical perspectives, with special focus on the role and scope of the international organisations, such as the UN, WTO and IAEA.

Sharing his experiences of working in different countries at important political junctures, he threw light on various historical developments in the international arena, which had changed the course of history. He informed the audience that Pakistan had been the principal victim of terrorism. Tens of thousands of Pakistanis have been martyred or injured in terrorist attacks, while the financial losses have been more than $100 billion.

He also shared with the young diplomats the highlights of Pakistan’s successful anti-terrorism campaign, involving nearly 200,000 of its security personnel. However, terrorism was now a global phenomenon, which must be addressed comprehensively and in all its forms, including the state terrorism. He said the world community must coordinate its efforts to accomplish the task of eliminating terrorism completely.

Fatemi said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could learn a lot from their respective experiences in this regard. He appreciated the efforts by Crown Prince Muhammed bin Naef in the realm of counter-terrorism and said that such efforts needed to be emulated by other countries as well. He urged the young diplomats to constantly strive for acquiring knowledge and development of skills, to face challenges of modern day diplomacy so that they could serve their country to the best of their abilities.

In Riyadh, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi had a meeting with Governor Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The meeting was held in a most cordial environment reflective of the excellent bilateral ties between the two countries.

Fatemi conveyed the warm greetings and regard of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the Saudi king and to the governor. He also thanked the governor for his warm hospitality and reiterated strong commitment of the leadership of Pakistan to the further enhancement of bilateral relations.

He also extended an invitation to the governor to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The governor stated that both the countries would continue their cooperation in various sectors. He also briefed the visiting dignitary about developmental projects being undertaken in Riyadh.