Int'l counter-terrorism forum kicks off in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A three-day International Counter-Terrorism Forum kicked off in Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Tuesday with an aim to highlight the country's endeavors and achievements in the war against terror.

The country's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the conference and said the country has overcome a long and dark decade of terrorist victimization, turning around picture from "Victim to Victor of Terrorism."

He said Pakistan was considered as one of the most dangerous places in the world back in 2013, but today the world publications are declaring Pakistan as an emerging economy.

Iqbal added that Pakistan's national resolve is to eliminate any sign of terrorism from the country to achieve the objective of peace and development.

Briefing about the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan, he said that 60,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives in the war against terrorism, but it did not deter the resolve of the nation. "The narrative of peace and development is very clear to the nation."

He said that the terrorists targeted all sections of Pakistan including mosques, churches, temples and shrines, but the country has overcome the crisis by launching armed offensives -- operation Zarb-i-Azb and others.

The minister said the war on terror is not over yet and the country has to undertake collaborative efforts to achieve a decisive victory. Enditem