ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser Tuesday said India was not abstaining from war mongering and aggression while Pakistan was taking every step to bring peace and stability in the region.
He expressed these views while talking to ambassador of Uzbekistan Furkat A Sidikov who called on him here at the Parliament House.
“Pakistan took actions keeping in view its right to self-protection and self-determination while violating the international laws, India has crossed the airspace of Pakistan,” he added.
He further said the entire world not only appreciated Pakistan’s stance to release Indian pilot and gave him back to India but also termed this step an assurance to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The speaker said Pakistan wanted peace and always made efforts to bring development and progress in the region.
He said Pakistan had shown restraint in the recent escalation at every step and took the initiative to control Indian aggression while practicing its rights of self-determination and self-defence.
He said the Parliament had passed unanimous resolution against Indian aggression in its joint session. In this regard, he had sent letters to 178 Parliaments of the world.
He further said it was need of hour to eliminate poverty and resolve issues of health and unemployment and strengthen the regional economy rather than pulling the whole region into the fire of war and aggression.
Referring to Pakistan’s relations with Uzbekistan, the speaker said Pakistan was proud of its centuries old relations with Central Asian States which were based upon traditions of common religion, culture, trade and mutual development.
He said friendly and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan were of prime importance and Pakistan wanted to further enhance these relations through mutual cooperation.
Asad Qaiser said Pakistan had its deep religious connection with Uzbekistan. He also expressed his feelings of gratitude as Uzbekistan was the land of Hazrat Imam Bukhari whose work on the collection of Hadith (sayings of the Holy Prophet Peace be Upon Him) was sacred for all Muslims.
He further said strengthening relations with Muslim Ummah was the basic principal of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He said Pakistan wanted to work with Uzbekistan in trade, investment and other economic sectors and parliamentary diplomacy could play important role in strengthening Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations.
The speaker also handed over to the ambassador the copy of the resolution passed unanimously in the joint session of the Parliament against Indian aggression.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furkat A Sidikov said Pakistan was an important country of the region and Uzbekistan gave immense importance to its relations with Pakistan.
He said Uzbekistan value high Pakistan’s efforts for peace and progress in the region and world. He said peace in Afghanistan was essential for regional peace.
He said there was vast opportunity of trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, however due to the blocked routes of Afghanistan, the masses of the region were deprived of progress and prosperity. The ambassador also extended invitation to Speaker to visit Uzbekistan.