Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain declared on Wednesday there were no differences between the government and army.

Mamnoon said peace is returning to the country and there is complete harmony between the government and armed forces. Talking to a delegation of Pakistan National Forum, which called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said that work is in progress under National Action Plan (NAP) for complete restoration of peace in the country. Talking about education, the president said that common educational curriculum would be introduced in the country to improve educational standards and help promote national solidarity.

About China-Pakistan Economic Corridor he said that it would guarantee the growth of regional economy. He said that this project is being carried out with the help of China. President Mamnoon said Pakistan’s policy on dealing with terrorist sanctuaries and militant organisations is very clear and the military operation Zarb-e-Azb was targeting all terrorist outfits without discrimination. He said fighting terrorism is amongst Pakistan’s top priorities and there was a national consensus and commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The president was talking to outgoing US Ambassador Richard Olson, who paid a farewell call on him at Presidency, said a press release.

The president expressed satisfaction that Pakistan-US relations were progressing well and highlighted the need to upgrade the bilateral relations to a long-term strategic partnership. Referring to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to the US, the president said Pakistan keenly anticipated fruitful and productive engagements between the prime minister and President Barack Obama during the visit. He appreciated the security-related assistance provided to Pakistan by the US government and underscored the need to expand cooperation between Pakistan and the US beyond counter terrorism.

He expressed satisfaction over the US commitment towards support for Pakistan’s economy, particularly in the energy sector and suggested the need to expand cooperation in the field of alternative and renewable energy sector as well as for the completion of projects such as Diamer Bhasha dam. President Mamnoon observed that during the tenure of Ambassador Richard Olson, relations between both countries witnessed significant improvement and expressed the hope that his successor would continue his legacy, contributing in a similar manner towards further strengthening Pakistan-US relations.

The outgoing US ambassador appreciated Zarb-e-Azb operation and acknowledged the successes achieved against terrorists. Olson said that 1,500MW electricity had been added in the national grid with the assistance of US and reaffirmed his country’s commitment for continued assistance in overcoming the energy shortage and in construction of Diamer Bhasha dam. The president wished the outgoing ambassador success in his future endeavours.

Meanwhile, talking to Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Canada Tariq Azeem who called on him on Wednesday, the president said Pakistan wants long-term, broad-based and everlasting relations with Canada. He asked the envoy to take steps for enhancing bilateral trade relations between the two countries. He said Canadian companies should be motivated to invest in oil and gas sectors in Pakistan.

He congratulated the High Commissioner-designate on his new assignment and wished him success in discharge of his new responsibilities, said a press release. The president underlined the importance of Canada as an important trading partner and called for taking effective measures for further enhancement of bilateral trade, noting that the current trade volume is not commensurate with the potential of both economies. He advised Azeem to invite Canadian companies for exploration and drilling of oil and gas in Pakistan. Mamnoon stressed regular exchange of business and cultural delegations between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction that Pakistani immigrants were contributing in various capacities in the development of Canadian society and economy.