ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain said on Tuesday that the Zarb-i-Azb operation was progressing successfully in its final phase and expressed the hope that the objective of terror-free Pakistan would be achieved soon.

Speaking at a lunch he hosted for ambassadors from Middle Eastern countries at the Aiwan-i-Sadr he said: “All areas of the country including tribal region have been cleared of terrorists and the situation would be completely brought under control in the next few months which would be beneficial for Pakistan, countries of the region and the Islamic countries.”

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Islamic countries should adopt a common strategy to address various challenges and impress upon the international community that Muslims are peaceful people who want peace in the entire world.

He said relations with Islamic countries were the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy focusing on the desire to use their expertise in different areas for collective benefit. Pakistan is ready to extend all possible cooperation to the brotherly countries.

Mr Hussain noted that the current $19 billion trade between Pakistan and Islamic countries was far below its potential and emphasised the need for enhancing it.

He said that an Islamic Summit on Science and Technology under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation would be held in Islamabad in November. Measures to promote science and technology would be discussed at the conference, besides the challenges confronting the Muslim world.

The president said Palestinian and Kashmiri people were waging struggle for their just rights and Pakistan fully supported them.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2015

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