Makkah, Dec 8, SPA -- President Pervez Musharraf has highlighted Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism, and said "we have attained success in this respect." Musharraf, who was speaking here today at a press conference on the fringe of the Third extraordinary summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference, noted that 70,000 troops are pursuing terrorists in valleys and mountains. Moreover, Musharraf underlined the importance of solving problems and political disputes through the OIC as a mean for uprooting terrorism. Musharraf highlighted the role that could be played by the OIC in helping the Muslim nation on attaining economic and social progress. He pointed out that the earthquake which recently hit Pakistan has provided a good opportunity for the settlement of the Kashmiri problem. As regards Osama bin Laden, he said 'this matter is subject to expectations and I don't want to speak about a matter that depends on expectations'. Musharraf lauded the speech delivered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz at the inaugural session of the summit, and said his speech had projected the aspirations of the Muslim nation. He also reiterated that Pakistan will never recognize Israel until the issue of the establishment of the Palestinian state goes ahead. 'As it is important to accept the existence of Israel, the establishment of the Palestinian state is a must', he said noting that the recent contacts of Pakistan with Israeli aimed at the settlement of the Palestinian problem.--SPAssss1546 Local Time 1246 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/308953