They are moderating and interfacing with the world and are aware of their interests. Recently, they have been holding successful talks with their opposition in Turkmenistan. No other country has suffered more due to the continuing conflict in Afghanistan than Pakistan. Apart from the millions of refugees on our soil, Afghanistan has been exploited as a breeding ground for terrorism that has undermined peace and security in Pakistan. It has been the source of the drug trade which has created more than a million drug addicts when this course was virtually unknown in Pakistan earlier.
Smuggling leads to shortages and undermines Pakistan's economy.
We have not been able to realize the potential for trade with Central Asia. The Afghan situation has also created tension and concerns in the region about a spill over into other countries, especially the Singkiang region of China, neighboring Central Asian states, and Iran. Some countries have found it convenient to exploit the conflict of interest situation by manipulating events to create discord. For Pakistan the challenge of the Afghan situation means durable and friendly ties with Iran, which is our powerful neighbor in the west. We have to balance this with good relations with Saudi Arabia and the Arab States of the Gulf.