Islamabad: July 26, 2016; Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly has said that Pakistan is committed to peace and prosperity in the region and the world. We do not want to be engaged in an arms race in South Asia. He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of Standing Committee on Economics and Sustainable Development Affairs of Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Islamabad, today.

He said that we are self-respecting nation whereas Pakistan is obliged to take essential steps to maintain its security. “At the same time, we also cannot however remain oblivious to the evolving security dynamics and arms buildup in our region” the Speaker added. While discussing the issue of Nuclear Supplies Group, he argued that no single nation is treated as favorite while discriminating with others. International politics should instead function on ideals of justice, equality and fairness. “The world cannot be a safer place, if nations are discriminated” he urged. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq assured that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapon state, and we will continue to support the objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation by maintaining the highest standards of security of nuclear facilities and stocks.

The Speaker said that the security situation around the world remains precarious. Terrorism remains a serious threat and it has caused the loss of over 60,000 innocent lives in Pakistan over the last two decades. He further said that the government and the people of Pakistan have demonstrated an unflinching resolve to uproot the menace of terrorism and violent extremism from Pakistan. The consensus-based military operation “Zarb-e-Azb” has been remarkably successful in our campaign against terrorism and extremism, the Speaker informed.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged that the plight of Palestinians, Rogenia Muslims and Kashmiris cannot be ignored if we wish to build a peaceful and democratic Asia. The international community including the APA member states must redress these injustices against these victims of aggression. “Our Parliament stands firm in solidarity with all such oppressed people of the world and demands from the international community to ensue their fundamental rights. The Kashmir dispute must be resolved in light of the UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people”, he added.

The Speaker said that one of the key pillars of Pakistan’s policy is to encourage regional integration and connectivity. The most promising element of this policy is the recently launched China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He informed that CPEC will help end power outages in Pakistan, and ensure seamless connectivity between China, South Asia and Central Asia.

He said that Pakistan firm believes in the promotion of democracy, peace, security and development in the region and its neighborhood.” I am sure that guided by Asian spirit and sustained efforts, we can resolve the intricacies of integration towards establishing an Asian Parliament to transform our continent into one unified parliament”, the Speaker said.