Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro has said Pakistan efforts to combat terror in all forms and manifestations flow out of its commitment and it has offered historic sacrifices in 'War on Terror'.
He was talking to Willy Wimmer member of the German Parliament (Bundestag), who held a breakfast meeting with him at his residence on Thursday. The German and EU ambassadors to Pakistan and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azim Khan were also present on the occasion.
Soomro said Pakistan's contributions were based on principles and the heroic struggle would be written in history. He said Pakistan was playing the role of an anchor for peace and stability in the region. It attached much importance to peace, as it was prerequisite for economic development and social harmony, he added.
He said peace was also necessary for attracting foreign investment, which not only generated employment opportunities but also helped improve living standard. He also briefed the visitors about the investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Senate Chairman said it was the opportune moment to take advantage of the investor-friendly policies being pursued by the government. The Chairman also apprised the visitors about the role and functions of the Senate.
He said the Parliament was completing its fourth year and the women and minorities were adequately represented in it. "The government is keen to bring women into the mainstream of national life as they constitute more than half of the country's population", he added.
The Chairman said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Germany and European Union, and appreciated their role in its development and their assistance in rebuilding and rehabilitation process after the devastating earthquake.
The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azim speaking on the occasion said there was a need of better understanding of Pakistan's role in war against terror.
He said certain sections of the international press were carrying fictitious stories about Pakistan, which was unfortunate. "The country is already doing what it can as it desires durable peace and economic development", he added.
He thanked EU and Germany for their valuable assistance in executing employment generation projects in Fata and other areas of NWFP and Balochistan.
The German MP commended Pakistan's role in war on terror and its efforts to usher in greater economic prosperity through increased investment and series of fiscal and monetary reforms.
Earlier, addressing a reception hosted in honour of the Prime Minister of Ontario last night, the Chairman Senate said there was a lot of scope for joint ventures between Pakistani and Canadian firms in various fields. He called for sharing of experiences in agriculture and industry between Pakistan and Ontario.
Reciprocating the good will gestures, the Prime Minister of Ontario said there were more than 400,000 Pakistanis in Canada out of which 300,000 alone were in Ontario and they were contributing to its economic development.
"The Canadian province is keen to upgrade its business and economic relations with Pakistan and currently examining various proposals in this regard", he added.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Governor Punjab Lieutenant General (Retd) Khalid Maqbool, Deputy Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali and a number of senators also attended the reception.
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