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>RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 24. Let me begin by introducing my country. Pakistan islocated in South Asia and is bordered by Iran in the West, Afghanistan in the West and Northwest, China in the North and India in the East. A narrow Wakhan finger 7-30 miles wide separates it from Tajikistan. The strategic Strait of Hormuz lies close to its border in the Southwest. History and culture binds it to South Asia while its Islamic faith and values tie it with Muslim countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Its 150 millionpopulation makes it the 6th most populous state in the world and it is the second largest Muslim country. It has the 7th largest military in the world, which is armed with nuclear and ballistic missiles. Mr.Paul Wolfowitz US Deputy Defence Secretary told the House Armed Services Committee recently that Pakistan’s Military is the most important instrument of influence1. 5. Pakistan serves as a link between Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia to the west and north-west and South Asia and SE Asia to the east with capacity to affect regional and international stability. Yale University historian Paul Kennedy regards Pakistan a pivotal state. A pivotal state is the one that is so important regionally that its collapse would spell trans-boundary mayhem while its steady economic progress and stability would bolster its region’s economic vitality and political soundness and benefit regional trade and investment.2”
