This is testimony to the fact that Asia’s future is being shaped by Asian hands and our collective destiny lies in democracy practiced by political parties through the rule of law.

The Pakistan Muslim League is also proud of its close affinity with the Communist Party of China, just as we are proud of the fact that Pakistan and China are neighbours which have had a friction free, model, strategic relationship for the past four decades. We have learnt a lot from China over these years. China has pursued a peaceful foreign policy while strictly adhering to its principles and China has made a successful historic transition at home which has enabled the Chinese people to bring forth their unique qualities of creativity, hard work and entrepreneurship, thereby raising the quality of life of the Chinese people.

We seek to promote a vision of Democracy, Development and Defense which responds to the aspiration of our people. At the same time we are a key partner of the international community in the battle against extremism and terrorism which like the rest of Asia is a threat to our peace, security and stability.

The world today is less secure than before and there is in fact more violence and instability than there was before 9/11. We would like to mention a few concerns on this count since these are an impediment to building a new order in Asia, based on peace, stability and justice. Three such concerns are noteworthy. First, it should be clearly understood that extremism and terrorism have no religion. All countries share a common threat and there should not be any attempt to transform the campaign against terror into a campaign against a particular community or a particular religion. Second, a distinction needs to be drawn between terrorism and those fighting for their freedom, including their inalienable right of self determination which is granted to them under international law and the United Nations Charter. Palestine and Kashmir are just and lawful struggle in the category. Third, it is important to examine and analyze the roots of terrorism which are often linked to oppression and persecution by the state through violation of human rights. For instance, what has happened at the Abu Gherib prison in Iraq or Guantanamo Bay are unacceptable deviations from basic fundamental human rights. Doctrines of preemption or “might is right” are tantamount to a reversion to the law of the jungle, detrimental to the emerging order in Asia.

The Pakistan Muslim League aspires to promote a culture of reconciliation and accommodation in politics. It has launched a massive campaign to organize itself at the grassroots. It plans to introduce reforms in the social, economic and other sectors of society in order to bring about a real change in the life of our people.

Let all the democratic political parties of Asia unite in their resolve to make the 21st century into an Asian century that brings peace, justice, democracy and prosperity to all our people so that they and their future generations can live a better quality of life and compete with the advanced countries of the West using their remarkable energies, talent and creativity as so many of our Asian brothers have so successfully demonstrated in recent years. Let us give a voice to the voiceless.