EU Parliamentary Delegation discusses bilateral cooperation, parliamentary engagement with NA Speaker

Celina Ali

ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, met with a parliamentary delegation from the European Union on Monday. During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing parliamentary relations and matters of mutual interest.

Speaking to the delegation, the Speaker said that Pakistan highly values its long-standing and cordial relationship with the European Union. He noted that Pakistan is facing global challenges such as terrorism and climate change, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to tackle these issues. He added that weapons left behind in Afghanistan are being used by terrorists against Pakistan, and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have suffered the most due to terrorism. He also highlighted Pakistan’s long history of hosting millions of Afghan refugees, stating that the country has paid a heavy price due to terrorism.

The Speaker stressed the need for a coordinated international strategy to establish lasting peace and eliminate terrorism. He mentioned that democracy in Pakistan is strengthening and that democratic values are gaining ground. The continuity of democracy is key to national development and prosperity, he said.

Referring to judicial reforms, he called the 26th Constitutional Amendment a significant milestone. He also condemned the Jaffar Express attack, describing it as a horrific act of terrorism. The Speaker praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their timely action, which prevented greater loss of life, and reiterated that the military is actively fighting terrorism. He remarked that issues like enforced disappearances are often unnecessarily exaggerated.

The Speaker highlighted the significant role of parliamentary caucuses on women, children, youth, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s belief in resolving disputes through dialogue.

He strongly condemned the grave human rights violations in Kashmir and Palestine and urged the European Union to play a role in stopping these abuses. He said that the people of Palestine and Kashmir are victims of state terrorism and that Pakistan supports dialogue-based solutions to the issues of Kashmir, Palestine, and Ukraine. He also mentioned that climate change poses a serious threat to humanity and expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen parliamentary ties with the EU.

The EU delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. An Irish representative stated that trade cooperation with Pakistan forms the foundation for peace and development, praising the resilience of the Pakistani nation during difficult times.

The EU delegation assured that it would continue to support Pakistan in promoting democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.