Really? Thats what is planned though.
Pakistan will be a trade hub, says Musharraf
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan can become an important regional trade hub and energy corridor if the government sticks to its progressive and pragmatic policies, President General Pervez Musharraf said on Monday at the 59th Formation Commanders Conference at General Headquarters.
The president said that Pakistan, with its important geo-strategic location, would continue working towards peace and growth in the region. He paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its rescue and relief work following the October 8 earthquake. ââ¬ÅThis tragedy has fostered a unique national spirit and public sentiments which jelled the entire society together to help those in need,ââ¬Â he said.
He praised the armyââ¬â¢s ââ¬Ådedication, commitment and whole-hearted participationââ¬Â, and the international community and NGOs for their assistance.
The president also appreciated the work of the Federal Relief Commission, which has now been merged with the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA).
Pakistan did not have a management disaster organisation before October 8, and nor was it prepared for the quake, but the way it ultimately managed the catastrophe has been hailed the world over as a model for disaster management, he said.
Gen Musharraf praised the work of the army, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies in combating militants in the tribal areas and Balochistan. He hoped that the law enforcement work of the Frontier Corps in Balochistan would allow the province to develop. ââ¬ÅNo one will be allowed to inflict damage to national assets and the writ of the government will be established at all costs,ââ¬Â he added. He paid tribute to scientists Dr Pervez Butt, former chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, and Arshad Mirza, former chairman of the Q Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).
The president said there were over 3,000 women in the armed forces, but most of them were in the Army Medical and Dental Corps. He told the commanders that women should also be inducted in other branches of the army.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Ehsanul Haq, Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hyat, corps commanders, principal staff officers and general officers attended the first session. They were joined in the second session by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, State Bank Governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar, the prime ministerââ¬â¢s financial advisor, Dr Salman Shah, ERRA Chairman Saleem Altaf, who each gave talks. At the end of day one of the conference, the participants witnessed a display of indigenously-developed weapons and equipment. Day two of the conference shall focus on professional army matters. The following two days will be taken up in discussion army promotions. SANA