Islamabad
Expressing his views in a virtual meeting with the EU Foreign Affairs Committee, he said that Pakistan was disappointed with the resolution passed in the European Parliament on blasphemy laws. It is a sign of ignorance about the laws of Prophethood and lack of knowledge of the religious sentiments associated with it in Pakistan.
He said that we need to understand the religious sentiments associated with the person of the Prophet of Islam and other sacred rites and symbols. Like any other democratic and free society, we have our own values of expression. Emotions should not be misused.
He said that intentional incitement and incitement, hatred and violence should not be allowed and it should be declared against the law at the international level.
The Foreign Minister said that our government has taken concrete steps to end the situation in Europe caused by the publication of insulting sketches and desecration of the Holy Quran and has taken effective action against radical groups following recent reports.
“The world is witnessing a rising tide against foreigners and Islamophobia. We must show a common determination against those who spread intolerance, provocation and violence based on religion or belief,” he said.
New legislation has been enacted to further strengthen the human rights system in Pakistan. Earlier this month, the federal cabinet passed a bill to protect journalists and the media and to prevent enforced disappearances.
“We want to be involved in world economic cooperation and play a key role in peace and development. Our focus is shifting from geopolitics to geoeconomics,” he said.
He said that Pakistan is an emerging market of 220 million people where 60% of the population is under 30 years of age and Pakistan offers innumerable opportunities for trade and investment. He said that in the midst of economic security, Pakistan’s focus is on The steps are as follows:
(i) Promoting trade, transit and energy flows from Central and South Asia and the Middle East through contacts.
(ii) Provision of economic base as a development strategy
(iii) Establishment of peace at home and abroad
He stressed that peace and stability in Afghanistan is essential for our regional economic integration and trans-regional connectivity. Pakistan wants to end the war in Afghanistan through political settlement through dialogue.
At the same time, he said that Pakistan is firmly committed to improving relations with all its neighbors, including India, but unfortunately India has not responded to our efforts for peace with the same spirit.
