Pakistan's ambassadors from 14 countries of SAARC and ECO regions participated in the conference. The prime minister, in his address, said Pakistan will protect its vital interests at all costs. "This message must be heard loud and clear," he added. At the same time, he stated that Pakistan will not abandon its high moral ground because of provocations.
"We will continue our quest for a peaceful neighbourhood," he said. But there should be reciprocity and acknowledgement of the overtures he had made to promote the dialogue process, he added. He said that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be relegated to the back burner of history, adding that during his meeting with Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in Dushanbe, he urged him to play a proactive role in promoting peace in the region; and reminded him that it was incumbent on the UN Security Council to ensure early implementation of its resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
He also pointed out that Pakistan has a unique economic geography, connecting multiple countries, regions and neighbourhoods. "We are determined to realise its full potential," he said, adding Pakistan is a strong proponent of regional economic integration so that we can together create new opportunities for jobs, businesses, industrial production, and agricultural growth.
He told the envoys that there is a need to identify and promote new regional and global agents and value chains to connect economic nodes. We believe that Pakistan is both a conduit and a destination for investment, trade, production and distribution, he added.
About China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he said the project is a transformational, and a game-changer for Pakistan and for the region. "It would, in due course, also benefit adjoining and peripheral regions," he said, adding the project will build the Gwadar Port as the regional trans-shipment pivot, supported by a network of roads, railway lines, power plants, industrial zones, pipelines and fiber optic cables. He said that the CPEC would make Pakistan a hub for trans-regional commerce and industry.
He called upon the envoys to use their skills and ingenuity to create greater awareness about this historic initiative, dispel misgivings about it, and harness resources that can augment our efforts. He said that all political parties reached consensus on this flagship initiative at an All-Party Conference (APC) convened on May 28. He said that the government has allocated more than Rs 300 billion in the PSDP 2015-16 for projects under CPEC which indicate our complete commitment to fast track implementation of CPEC.
He said that Pakistan is demonstrating resilience and exuding confidence. Pakistan's promise as an ascending nation and a lucrative market is being recognised by world capitals and global markets, he added. About the steps for economic revival, the Prime Minister said that his government has taken a series of steps to consolidate macroeconomic stability, control budgetary deficit, strengthen public finances, reduce inflation, and increase foreign exchange reserves.
"Overall, economic growth is gaining momentum and I see investment confidence rising. This has also been independently substantiated by the World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank, UN ESCAP, and leading credit rating agencies," he added. He asked the envoys that their efforts in the host countries will help the government attract foreign direct investment in small and large manufacturing sectors. "As we go along, Pakistan will become the most hospitable and promising destination for investment...Please showcase this to the world," he urged the diplomats.
He said that Pakistan is now recognized as an emerging market with immense potential and his government is according highest priority to security and energy to ensure that we continue to move on the pathway to economic revival, inclusive growth and social development.
Referring to terrorism, he said that the operation Zarb-e-Azb has already taken down terrorists' networks, disrupted their command and control system, and debilitated their supporting infrastructure. "We are succeeding; but it is still a long haul, as we take on all kinds of ethnic, communal and sectarian violence. This is an all-out war against all forms of violence," he added.
He said the National Action Plan, which enjoys consensus across the national spectrum, gives us the necessary framework to counter terrorism effectively and decisively. "We will spare nobody as we choke financing for terrorism and sectarian violence; and disable terrorists' logistical support systems," he said, adding that Pakistan is also enlisting assistance of its friendly countries.
He described the externally-sponsored terrorism and violent extremism as grave threats to a secure and prosperous Pakistan. About Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan and Afghanistan have moved closer. "Thanks to the joint efforts being made by the leadership of the two countries...Along with President Ashraf Ghani, we have resolved to fight together our common enemy - terrorism," he added. He said he conveyed to President Ashraf Ghani last month"... the enemies of Afghanistan cannot be friends of Pakistan," adding there are no good and bad terrorists and we will fight them all.
He said that the two sides are strengthening their ties in the fields of trade, education, military training, and intelligence co-operation. "We have conveyed to Afghanistan that its soil should not be used against Pakistan; and we would make sure that terrorists do not establish hideouts in our territory. Stemming cross-border violence is our shared responsibility," he added. The Prime Minister further said that Pakistan will continue to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.
Referring to situation in the Middle East, he said the situation in that region is in a state of turmoil and volatility. "Our appeal to the Middle Eastern countries is to move swiftly from the conflict zones to negotiations. There is no sublimity or salvation in fighting. We don't take sides in conflicts," he stated. However, he said "we would stand by Saudi Arabia, our longstanding ally; and call on Houthi rebels to cease their hostilities to pave way for a peaceful resolution of all problems".
About SAARC and ECO, he said that Pakistan, along with other like-minded countries, has always been a driving force to revitalise these organisations; but regrettably they are not taking off. "It is time for SAARC and ECO to become connectivity backbones for South, Central and West Asia. Pakistan should continue its efforts in this regard," he added.
The Prime Minister further said that Pakistan will give full support to cross-regional projects focusing on energy & water security, value addition, research, science and technology, and modernisation. He said that Pakistani diaspora is an asset for the country, adding that Pakistanis have done well for themselves; and they are keen to contribute to the economic growth of Pakistan. Expatriates who want to invest in Pakistan should be given all the facilities, he added.