ISLAMABAD, Sept 16: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday reiterated that the erroneous linking of Islam with terrorism should be discouraged as “Islam is a religion of peace and propagates tolerance, inter-faith harmony and compassion”.

The prime minister was talking to former Malaysian premier Mahatir bin Mohammad who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House.

He stressed the need for enhancing diplomatic, cultural, educational, trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries and said the convening of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in November this year in Pakistan would go a log way in strengthening the economic cooperation among Muslim countries, the prime minister said.

The two leaders discussed issues including challenges facing the Ummah, regional situation and Pakistan’s quest for regional peace, stability and dispute resolution.

Emphasising the need to forge unity among Muslim countries, the prime minister said the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) should be transformed into a vibrant organisation.

Terming terrorism a serious threat to global peace, the prime minister highlighted efforts being made by Pakistan along with international community to curb the menace. He also emphasised the need to address its basic causes and said the international community needed to play a more effective role.

He said Pakistan was keen to promote peace with its neighbours by resolving outstanding issues. “It is with this end in view that we are engaged in a composite dialogue process with India”.

Dr Mahatir reaffirmed the views expressed by Prime Minister Aziz about the need to strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Malaysia.

Dr Mahatir said Muslim world needed to invest more in education, science and technology to attain self sufficiency.

He emphasised the need to promote global peace and harmony and said he would continue his campaign to discourage conflicts in the world.

Mrs Mahatir, Mrs Zubaida Jalal, Minister for Social Welfare, Khalilur Rahman, Special Assistant to PM, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the charge d’affairs of Malaysia in Pakistan attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the prime minister emphasised the need for greater inter-ministerial and inter-provincial coordination to expedite the implementation process of local and foreign investment projects.

He said this while presiding over a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House to review the investment prospects.

The meeting identified power, cement, construction, agribusiness, livestock, real estate and hotel business, information technology and telecom as the potential areas where extensive opportunities exist for local and foreign investors.