Islamabad; 4th February, 2020:  The Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri has said that Pakistan valued its relations with South Africa, which were based on friendship and mutual trust. He stressed the need for regular interaction between parliamentarians of both Countries adding that parliamentarians could play a pivotal role for strengthening existing bilateral relations. He expressed these views while talking to two members delegation of Republic of South Africa consisting Prince Thumbuzi Diamini and Prince Magudvulela who called on him at the Parliament House this afternoon.

While updating the members of the delegation about current situation in occupied Kashmir he said that Indian Government deprived the Kashmiri people of their legitimate right of identity by revoking Articles 370 and 35A from the Indian Constitution. He said that the worst lockdown of history has been ongoing in the entire valley for the last 183 days. The entire Kashmiri leadership was in prison and media freedom is also curtailed to suppress the voice of the Kashmiri people, he added. He further said that the people of Kashmir are compelled to live miserable life in extreme weather conditions due to ongoing lockdown in valley as they are being deprived of all basic necessities of life, including food, medicine and fuel. He said that the only option to solve the problem of Kashmir is plebiscite in the Indian occupied valley according to the UN Security Council resolutions. He appreciated South African support on Kashmir issue and said that it holds a very special important place. The Deputy Speaker also appreciated the freedom struggle of former President of South Africa Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. He said Pakistani nation has great regards for Nelson Mandela who was one the greatest statesmen of the twentieth century who upheld democratic values in the African continent.

Deputy Speaker expressed the desire to further strengthen warm relations between Pakistan and South Africa by enhancing parliamentary and economic contacts. He invited South African investors to take benefit from pro-investment policies introduced by the incumbent government. He said that the volume of trade between Pakistan and South Africa was relatively low and unexplored, adding that there was a great potential for further expansion of business ties in the future.
 
The members of South African delegation said that South Africa values great importance to its relations with Pakistan. The visiting delegation expressed its support to Pakistan’s position on Kashmir issue and regretted that people of Kashmir have been made subject to such brutal repressions. Mr. Thumbuzi Diamini expressed hope that current lockdown in the Kashmir valley would end soon and the region would turn to normalcy. He also said that Pakistan is an important country in the region and their government wanted to expand its relations with Pakistan. He said that Pakistan and South Africa have enormous potential to promote economic and socio-economic cooperation. The South African delegation extended invitation to the Deputy Speaker for visiting South Africa.