The Prime Minister said the elected government was completing its tenure despite challenges and the nation was all poised for general election. He termed it "a defining moment" in national history and said the government had pursued a policy of strategic patience, tolerance and reconciliation to lay a foundation for sustainable and stable political system in the country.
He said the forces of doom and gloom thrived in an environment of chaos, uncertainty and instability. "We need to guard against all such forces that are out to derail the system so assiduously put in place after a protracted struggle," the Prime Minister told the participants. Prime Minister Ashraf acknowledged the role played by democratic forces, civil society, media and state institutions in strengthening democracy in the country.
"I have no doubt that a legitimate elected government which enjoys the mandate of the people is best suited to resolve the problems facing the country," he said. Prime Minister Ashraf said the recent Indian adventures on the Line of Control and wave of terrorist attacks in the country amidst political flux ahead of national elections point towards the magnitude, scale and enormity of the challenges faced by the country.
He said given the varied nature of challenges confronting the country, there was a need to increase the frequency of such exercises so as to afford wider exposure to elements of national power. "I assure you that government is fully aware of the criticality of the situation and is taking all possible measures to maintain stability, national cohesion and preserve national interests."
Prime Minister Ashraf said there was a national consensus on fighting and eliminating extremism and terrorism that threatens not only the national security but also the way of life of the people of Pakistan. "We will not allow terrorists and extremists to subdue our will or frighten us," Ashraf said.
He regretted that the international clamor to do more refuses to die, despite the fact that the people of Pakistan, its law enforcement agencies, particularly the armed forces have rendered unprecedented sacrifices both in men and material in the fight against terrorism. He said it was the responsibility of the independent and vibrant media to play a key role and contribute towards national cohesion and project the true image of Pakistan.
"We have peculiar challenges, which can be tackled effectively by developing home-grown solutions," he said. He said Pakistan's present and future, through its geography, was linked with economic prosperity and growth rather than the concept of security alone.
The Prime Minister termed economic diplomacy an integral part of country's foreign policy and said Pakistan was blessed with immense human as well as vast natural resources which need to be tapped to make Pakistan worthy of its status of a nuclear power. "We have initiated a composite dialogue process with India to resolve all issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir."
Prime Minister Ashraf reiterated that Pakistan supports an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process for achieving intra-Afghan consensus. "A peaceful, stable and economically developed Afghanistan is vital for Pakistan's own stability," he reiterated.
He said it was important to see what Pakistan can achieve from its geo-strategic environment, and will depend on how long-term and realistic objectives were defined, supported by doable policies and provision of requisite resources. The Prime Minister also appreciated the quality of analytical work presented by the panel and said he was encouraged to note that the future leadership in civil and military services was cognisant of the challenges that beset the country.
"I have complete trust in the ability of our people and the armed forces to rise to the occasion and work for a peaceful and a prosperous Pakistan." Prime Minister Ashraf urged the participants to pledge to make Pakistan a moderate, progressive and an Islamic welfare state as envisaged by its Founding Fathers.