ISLAMABAD
\nSAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry\u2019s former president Iftikhar Ali Malik has advocated the cause of achieving durable peace in the region, a prerequisite to economic growth, prosperity and development for all countries of South Asia.
\nTalking to a delegation of traders led by Muslim Khan Buneri from KP here Sunday, he said South Asia has long been plagued by instability and conflicts that have hindered the region\u2019s progress and potential.
\nOne of the major concerns contributing to this instability has been the presence of terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, which have posed a severe threat not only to Afghanistan but to neighboring countries including Pakistan, he added.
\nHe said counterterrorism cooperation and collaboration closely with regional and international stakeholders, especially Pakistan, to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries can help eradicate the breeding grounds for extremist elements and bring about much-needed stability.
\nAbout economic integration, he said, \u201cWe must embrace economic integration initiatives within the South Asian region and enhanced economic cooperation can create an environment conducive to peace, prosperity, and development for all.\u201d
\nHe believed that by taking these steps, the Afghan government can play a pivotal role in shaping a more secure and prosperous South Asia ,as this in turn, will foster economic growth, improve living standards, and create a brighter future for all nations in the region.
\nIftikhar Ali Malik said, \u201cWe are committed to supporting any positive efforts towards peace and development in South Asia.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry\u2019s former president Iftikhar Ali Malik has advocated the cause of achieving durable peace in the region, a prerequisite to economic growth, prosperity and development for all countries of South Asia. Talking to a delegation of traders led by Muslim Khan Buneri from KP here Sunday, he said South […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":340525,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-400136","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n