LAHORE, Oct 25 (APP):South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Chamber of Commerce and Industry former President Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday said Pakistan, being a nuclear state, had assumed greater regional importance through its diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing Middle East crisis involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a statement issued here, he said Pakistan’s strategic location, nuclear capability, large population and diplomatic outreach had enhanced its significance in the prevailing geopolitical situation. He said Pakistan’s geostrategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Iran, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia, Russia and China made it an important player in regional affairs.
He said the country’s strategic location was a valuable national asset that could be utilized to promote regional peace, economic cooperation and stability. He said major international powers, including the United States, required Pakistan’s cooperation to effectively address the challenges posed by transnational terrorist networks threatening regional and global security. He appreciated the efforts of Pakistan’s political and military leadership for contributing to de-escalation and promoting dialogue amid heightened regional tensions.
He said Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives had highlighted the importance of negotiations, restraint and peaceful resolution of conflicts in addressing complex international disputes. He emphasized that prudent decision-making was essential to safeguarding Pakistan’s strategic autonomy and further enhancing its standing in the international community.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
