- Says attended the conference because peace in Afghanistan is important
- The government is pursuing a comprehensive policy of border management
- Rs 25.603 bn spent on foreign mission employees in three years
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that despite reports to the contrary, he ‘was given proper protocol and no indecent incident occurred’ during his stay in India for the Heart of Asia Conference.
He dispelled the impression that any humiliating attitude was meted out to him or the delegation except a press conference where the media people were not allowed due to security reasons.
Answering a query, he said it was important for Pakistan to participate in the conference as it was meant for peace and progress in Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan always desired peace in Afghanistan and progress of Afghan people. Therefore, it could not leave that event unattended.
Answering a supplementary question, Sartaj Aziz said the government was pursuing a comprehensive policy of border management at Pakistani border with Afghanistan. “This exercise would curtail cross-border movement as well as smuggling of narcotics.”
Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan’s overture to participate in the conference was appreciated by other participating countries as Pakistan didn’t allow its bilateral relations with India impact the proceedings of a multi-lateral conference.
The National Assembly was also informed that during the last three years Rs 25.603 billion were spent on the employees at Pakistani missions in different countries.
Sartaj told the House during Question Hour that out of the stated amount Rs 8.584 billion were spent on employees at foreign missions in 2013-14 in terms of employees related expenses, rent for residential buildings and education subsidy.
During 2014-15, the amount was Rs 8.244 billion while in 2015-16 it stood at Rs 8.775 billion.
