Senator Aitzaz Ahsan assures EU of consensus which exists among all political parties to eradicate terrorism and extremism
In a meeting with a four member delegation of European Union at the Parliament House, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan has said, “Pakistan enjoys good friendly relations with European Union (EU) as a whole and that we want to further consolidate our bilateral and multilateral cooperation with EU for benefit of the two sides.”
The delegation, comprising UK Green/European Free Alliance Chair Jean Lambert, UK Socialist and Democrat 1st Vice-Chair Richard Howitt, Germany’s European Peoples Party’s Michael Galher, Standing Rapporteur in the International Trade Committee Sajjad Karim along with others, is on a visit to Pakistan.
The Pakistani side was represented by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Aitzaz Ahsan besides senators Nuzhat Sadiq, Sehar Kamran, Abdul Haseeb Khan, Mrs Nuzhat Saddiq and Muhammad Rafique Rajwana.
Senator Ahsan in his remarks said that Pakistan is an enlightened society and has struggled for democracy. He gave a detailed overview of the recent legislation done by the Parliament to curb extremism and militancy. He observed that the country is facing extraordinary situation as far as security is concerned and extraordinary measures were required to punish those who pose a threat to national security. He told the delegation that consensus exists among all political parties to eradicate the menace of terrorism and extremism.
Senator Raffique Rajwana and Mrs Nuzhat Saddiq in their remarks thanked the EU for support in GSP Plus, saying that the initiative will result in enhanced exports to Europe. They said that the political leadership and army are on the same page against terrorism.
Senator Sehar Kamran said denying Pakistan access to Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) is based on bias. Pakistan, she said, is facing energy short fall and it must be given access to NSG for peaceful purposes.
Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan also underscored the need for cooperation in education and health sectors. Pakistani side also conveyed strong displeasure and concern over the publication of blasphemous caricatures in France.
Leader of the EU delegation condemned extremism and the spate of terrorism in Pakistan. The EU parliamentarians appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts toward democracy and parliamentary supremacy. They also underscored the need for interfaith harmony.