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LAHORE, Oct 13 (APP):Former President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Iftikhar Ali Malik, affirmed on Monday that the entire business community stands in complete solidarity with Pakistan’s valiant armed forces in the face of any external aggression. He expressed unwavering support for their firm resolve to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement issued here, Malik lauded the armed forces for their unmatched sacrifices in safeguarding national security and ensuring regional stability. He emphasized that the nation owes its peace and resilience to the courage and dedication of its military.
Urging the Afghan leadership to act responsibly, Malik called for effective measures to curb cross-border infiltration and ensure Afghan soil is not used for activities that undermine Pakistan’s security. He noted that such steps are essential for fostering regional peace, trust, and cooperation between neighboring Muslim countries committed to harmony and mutual progress.
He reiterated that lasting peace in South Asia is crucial for sustainable development, underlining that political stability, economic collaboration, and security cooperation among neighboring states are the only viable path forward. “Without peace, economic progress and investor confidence remain out of reach,” he stated.
Highlighting Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism, Malik pointed out that the country has suffered immense human, economic, and infrastructural losses—amounting to trillions of rupees. In addition, Pakistan has hosted over 4.5 million Afghan refugees for decades, bearing a significant humanitarian and economic burden.
He urged the Afghan authorities to demonstrate maturity and responsibility by ensuring that their territory is not exploited by elements hostile to Pakistan. “In the larger interest of regional stability, this is the need of the hour,” he concluded.