(MENAFN- Arab News) Only dialogue with the taleban can bring peace to pakistan a leading politician visiting the country said here recently.

senator raja muhammad zafar-ul-haque leader of pakistan's upper house was in jeddah to attend the saudi-pakistan friendship program held on april 10.

he said the pakistan government led by prime minister nawaz sharif has prioritized economic growth and anti-terrorism measures.

'most of the taleban factions are talking to us and despite the difficulties we intend to pursue this mission until we achieve peace in our country" he said. 'we are hoping to see a brighter and stronger pakistan."

he said previous governments had used force in an attempt to control the taleban but after losing a large number of civilians and even more military personnel it was decided to try a different approach. 'the best way to give peace a chance is through dialogue" he said.

he said this approach was approved unanimously at a conference attended by several political parties. this included the awami national party of khyber pakhtunkhwa and fazl-ul-rahman's party jamiat ulema-e-islam.

'the important thing is that they are listening to us" haque said. he said a precondition was that the taleban should stop terrorist attacks and condemn terrorist groups.

'the government asked them to declare a ceasefire and they agreed" he said adding that there have been no reports of terrorist activity for a month.

haque said that during his visit he met a group of stranded pakistanis. he also had a meeting with abdullah omar nasseef president of the world muslim congress (wmc) who offered advice on how to help these citizens.

'i will convey these suggestions to the pakistani prime minister mian nawaz sharif and his younger brother shahbaz sharif and we will work out a plan to help these people." he said the government was aware of the problem.

'we also have to address the situation of stranded pakistanis on the pakistan-bangladesh border. the government of pakistan needs to provide them with food and shelter until some sort of plan is executed for their return" he said.

haque said this was a priority issue with the wmc and as secretary-general of the organization he would place this on top of its agenda. 'we will organize some programs with the help of our muslim brothers in the wmc around the world and will call a meeting of the general council in consultation with the leadership to address this burning issue" he said.

he said another pressing issue was the energy crisis and the economic slowdown.

'the pakistani rupee stood at rs110 to one us dollar and was steadily moving upward but this has been stemmed with the current exchange rate now at rs100 to a dollar. the rise of the rupee has created new confidence and given a boost to foreign investment."

he said several projects had been initiated with the help of china to increase energy improve communication and infrastructure. 'so things have begun to improve in a very short time" he said.

he praised the saudi-pakistan program and was happy to see many pakistanis and saudis in attendance.

several speakers praised the growing ties between saudi arabia and pakistan and their efforts to bring peace to the world.