By NNN-APP
London : President Pervez Musharraf has termed his visit to Belgium, France and Switzerland highly productive and successful since it helped him to project Pakistan’s position on various regional and international issues in true perspective.
In a brief chat with the newsmen Friday on his arrival at Heathrow airport on a two-day visit to United Kingdom, he said his visit to the three European countries provided him an opportunity to correct the national image that was distorted by the vested interest with regard to Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism and its resolve to hold free, fair and peaceful general elections on February 18.
He said he was looking forward to meet British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London on Monday to discuss wide-ranging issues of common interest, besides further strengthening understanding and cooperation to address common problems, as well as improving the bilateral ties in various sectors.
On arrival at Hotel Dorchestor, where he is staying, the President was given warm welcome by a section of Pakistan community residing in UK.
Holding Pakistani flags, they raised slogans of “Musharraf Zindabad” and “long-live Musharraf.”
Earlier, before leaving for London, President Musharraf addressed a large gathering of policy-makers and business executives during which he urged the international community to help Pakistan in reducing poverty, illiteracy and deprivation that are the root-causes of terrorism and extremism.
Emphasizing his government’s resolve to pay greater attention towards improving socio-economic life of the people, he categorically stated that reversal of economic gains achieved during the last seven years would not be allowed, since the economic development is also their democratic right.
While assuring the business community of total security in Pakistan for running their business and making investment, he said the people of Pakistan are moderate and peace-loving.
President Musharraf said that in order to face various challenges he had to take tough decisions, including imposing emergency that was lifted after a short time.
Elaborating Pakistan’s efforts for peace, he said Pakistani people have never been violence-oriented.
The current wave of terrorism was limited to a few areas in North and South Waziristan, which was being handled by adopting multi-pronged strategy including military action, political means and economic development in the affected region.
The President invited foreign companies to invest in Pakistan and benefit from the country’s liberal investment policies.