Pakistan Day Reception

WASHINGTON, Mar 24 (APP)- U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz Tuesday said in the war against terror, both the United States and Pakistan are "closely cooperating," and described it as "a war against the forces of life and forces of death."

"It is a common cause. It is much more than just a war on terror- much more than just catching and killing terrorists."

He said this as chief guest at the Pakistan Day function held at the Marker Hall of the Pakistan Embassy.

He said President George Bush has said time and again that the war on terror is not just killing and capturing terrorists- it is meant to secure the world and make it a safer place.

Mr. Wolfowitz praised President General Pervez Musharraf for having made "a bold, brave and serious decision against terrorism- and to stand withforces of life against the forces of death."

He referred to the motto of the Quaid-e-Azam, the founderof Pakistan i.e. 'Faith, Unity and Discipline.'

"We know that in our common fight against terrorism, our two nations are united in faith and discipline," he stated.

Mr. Wolfowitz referred to the "vision of father of the nation," Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Of the motto 'faith, unity and discipline,' he said these are three words of wisdom.

The motto is all embracing and has relevance and importance for all, particularly for all Pakistanis- whether Muslim, non-Muslim, Shia or Sunni. Terrorism, he said affects them equally. Extremism was no good, and by their attack, the extremist elements seek to divide Pakistani society on extremist lines.

Element of unity, he said was a helpful sign. The terrorists were out to threaten motto of faith, and said Pakistanis value human life.

Mr. Wolfowitz said "Islam is world's great religion.""Pakistanis believe in God -they believe in life- but the terrorists believe in the worship of death- and it is something that has to be dealt with."

"War on terror is a common cause. Our cooperation is much more than just a cooperation to fight a war- much more than just catching and killing terrorists."

"Thanks to our cooperation that we have been able to move one way or the other, in apprehending terrorists, including Khalid Shaikh Muhammad, the mastermind of September 11."

He began his speech with 'assalam-o-alaikum wa-rahmatullah wa-barakatuhu," to which the audience went into a prolonged applause, and uttered "wa alaikum assalam."

He said he was honoured to have been invited to attend the Pakistan Day function.

"Success in war against terrorism is guarantee to peace and security and is in the best interest of life over death." It shows to the people, he said, that forces of life is better than forces of death- "And God tells us to care for life."

The United States and Pakistan, he said have a long tradition of close cooperation.

On a personal note, he praised Mr. Shaukat Aziz, saying he is the one person whom "I know quite well." "He was in John Hopkins, and he was later the most senior and successful executive in Citibank when he decided to go to Pakistan and offer his services-trying to repair Pakistan's economy that was in bad shape- a country which had seen sanctions."

He said he saw Mr.Shaukat Aziz as "a man who was concerned and very determined to serve his country under the leadership of President Musharraf."

"One is reminded of the wisdom of words unity, faith and discipline- the motto is relevant as always."

He referred to the ongoing operation in South Waziristan "against our common enemies."

"I know, there are some people in Pakistan who criticize your President, we, in America, see it very differently- we understand the challenges facing your nation- trying to bring economic prosperity."

"We understand that we have been a nation independent for more than two centuries Pakistan has been independent for barely more than half a century- and has a long way to go ahead."

"We know that in our common fight against terrorism, our two nations are united in faith and discipline- it reflects on a very considerable number of accomplishments."

"It is also appropriate to commemorate the victims of terrorism in Pakistan and the United States. Our soldiers and your soldiers of the Frontier Corps who are fighting a common enemy and who have given their lives for a sacred cause."

"It also requires to rededicate ourselves to the values our two nations share and to look forward to a long term relationship based on commonality of interests and common values."

"And these will continue to strengthen one another and draw strength," he added. On behalf of Secretary Rumsfeld and the Department of Defense, he asked for conveying to President Musharraf and Pakistani people "our immense greetings on Pakistan day 2004."

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi said it was his proud privilege to welcome all on the celebration of 64th anniversary of the adoption of Pakistan Resolution in Lahore in 1940- which led to the creation of Pakistan seven years later.

"The United States and Pakistan are friends of long standing, and since the awful tragedy of 9/11, we have seen a silver lining in the dark clouds."

"It had the opportunity to revive our relations, and these regained strength that we always have- we even had closeness when there had been differences of perspective on different issues. Both countries are committed to a long term, broad based and fruitful relationship- to work together as a frontline in the war againgst terror."

"But our relationship extends this cooperation on war against terror and into a mutually comfortable relationship ," he added.