Pak-Sweden partnership essential for advancing gains of democracy: Ayaz

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Tuesday said sustained parliamentary engagement between Pakistan and Sweden was essential for advancing the gains of democracy.

He was speaking to Swedish Ambassador Ingrid Johansson who called on him at the Parliament House, a press release issued on Tuesday said.

He underlined the need for reinvigorating the role of Parliamentary Friendship Groups to give consolidates the parliamentary engagement between the two friendly countries.

The speaker highlighted that Pakistan is committed to fostering an enduring trade partnership with Sweden and consider it central to cement bilateral ties.

He said Pakistan had enabled a conducive environment for foreign investors urging that energy generation, telecommunication, oil exploration, trade and manufacturing sectors have huge scope for foreign investment and expressed his hope that Swedish companies will not tap into immense business opportunities in Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan is committed to engaging within the region and beyond for finding lasting, peaceful and durable solutions to conflicts and humanitarian issues.

While discussing Kashmir issue, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said using pallets gun on innocent Kashmiris by Indian armed forces surmount to breech of all local and international human rights doctrines.

He called upon the United Nations and international community to play their due role to stop the repression, violence and human rights violations being committed against the people of Kashmir.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Sweden was an important partner for Pakistan’s broader outreach to Europe.

He stressed the need for deepening collaboration between the two nations in spheres of education, cultural exchanges and science and technology.

The speaker urged for further cooperation in strengthening parliamentary democracy in Pakistan and informed the dignitary regarding the new initiatives taken at the National Assembly to deliver the hopes of the people.

He urged the Swedish ambassador to facilitate Pakistani students determined to pursue higher studies in Sweden.

Swedish Ambassador Ingrid Johansson reiterated that Pakistan is an important partner for promoting peace and lasting development in the region.

She remarked that Sweden highly appreciates and acknowledges Pakistan’s contribution to global efforts for fighting terrorism.

She expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and added that Sweden is willing to tap into Pakistan’s economic opportunities.

Swedish ambassador Ingrid Johansson said parliamentary engagement between the two parliaments would fortify the existing amiable relations between the two countries.

She also seconded Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s proposal for promoting people-to-people contacts in generating better understanding of each other.

Ingrid Johansson added that Sweden will continue to facilitate Pakistan in advancing the gains of democracy.