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The National Assembly has been summoned to meet on Monday, the 1st April, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad
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Pakistan committed to "Peaceful Neighbourhood": Speaker NA

Friday, 25th November, 2016

Islamabad: November 25, 2016; Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan’s vision for ‘Peaceful neighborhood’ is manifested in Pakistan’s endeavors for regional cooperation and connectivity. He further added that Pakistan pursues development through connectivity in collaboration with friendly countries as evident from CPEC, TAPI and CASA projects. He was speaking at Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), according to a message received from St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Speaker highlighted that the unresolved nature of Kashmir and Palestine as oldest disputes at UN Security agenda haunts the conscience of the member states. He added that denial of self-determination, human rights abuse and unresolved disputes will continue to challenge one’s progress for peace and security within the region and beyond.

Speaking on the topic of “Regional Security and Counter Terrorism”, the Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq outlined that Pakistan attaches utmost importance to peace and security at the regional and international levels.  “We are confident that Pakistan’s peace and development agenda will promote peace and stability in the region and beyond and benefit everyone”, he added.

Referring to Pakistan’s sacrifices for War on terror, he said that Pakistan has paid a phenomenal price for international security and peace, however, Al-Qaeda has a diminished presence today is largely due to Pakistan’s efforts, he added. He said that Pakistan is a vital partner for fostering peace in Afghanistanthrough an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.

The Speaker highlighted that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, race, or ethnicity and underscored the need for a collaborative approach to address this menace. He expressed his concerns about rising incidents of Islamophobia and termed the unfair and biased portrayal of Islam, its value system and beliefs as unacceptable.

Stating to the current migration crisis in the Middle East, the Speaker urged the international community to escalate its efforts for restoring peace in the region and underlined the need for more humane treatment of refugees and internally displaced people. He added that deeper connectivity and partnership for development is central to restraining regional crisis. Referring to Pakistan geographic advantages, untapped potential and willingness for cooperation, he added that “We are determined to convert this enormous potential into reality with the help of our friends and partners”.