Terrorism must not be linked to any particular nation or religion: Jiabao

ISLAMABAD - Terrorism must not be linked to any particular country or religion, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on the last day of his three-day visit to Pakistan.

“There should be no dual standards in this regard,” the Dawn quoted Jiabao, as saying, while addressing the Parliament on Sunday.

He strongly voiced China’s stance against terrorism, and called for making efforts for addressing the real reasons leading to terrorism.

“China’s stance is clear and consistent. China, while standing along with Pakistan and the international community, was making sincere efforts to promote cooperation in this regard,” he said.

“China and Pakistan ties will get deeper, closer and stronger,” he added.

Jiabao, who is the first Chinese and sixth world dignitary to address the joint sitting, began his speech by greeting the parliamentarians “Asalam-o-Alaikum”.

Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase as it was facing many challenges and problems, he said, adding that he was confident that the government and people of Pakistan were determined to tackle these, and would move ahead.

“The government and people of Pakistan are united and moving forward to safeguard solidarity, prosperity and sovereignty of the country,” he said.

During his speech, Jiabao also extended scholarship offers for 500 Pakistani students.

Opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan thanked the Chinese Premier, and said that Pakistan was united in its views on China, and that all political parties agreed on Pakistan-China friendship.

Later in the day, Jiabao and his delegation were seen off at the airport by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, federal cabinet members and other civil and military officials. (ANI)