BRUSSELS, Belgium: The Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that Pakistan looks for further deepening of engagement with the European Union (EU) following signing of Strategic Engagement Plan.
While talking to the Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament David McAllister in Brussels on Thursday along with the parliamentary delegation of Pakistan-EU Friendship Group, Dastgir briefed David McAllister on the success of democratic government in Pakistan in dealing with the issues of terrorism and power shortages.
The minister informed about the functioning and consolidation of democratic process in Pakistan since 2008.
“As sustenance of democracy creates space for other institutions to grow, so great progress has been made in the realms of human rights and economic opportunities in Pakistan,” the minister added.
Khurram Dastgir also apprised David McAllister that Pakistan’s successful counter terrorism operations like Zarb-e-Azb proved helpful in creating peace in the country and in return brought economic stability.
“There are visible signs of improvements in Pakistan,” the minister said.
The defence minister appreciated the support rendered by the EU and China while Pakistan was facing security and economic challenges, which helped immensely in generating economic activities.
David McAllister appreciated efforts of government of Pakistan in overcoming various Challenges. He recalled his visit to Pakistan fondly, saying that it was good to see progress in Pakistan. He hoped for further strengthening Pakistan-EU engagement and to have Pakistan EU Summit soon.
Talking about the challenges to fight terrorism at ideological level Mr. Khan informed that recently there was a “Message from Pakistan” in which all religious leaders condemned terrorism.
McAllister also gave an update on situation in Afghanistan asserting that peace in Afghanistan was necessary for peace in Pakistan and vice versa.
“Blame game will not achieve desired results” he asserted.
