The European Union on Monday offered to send observers to Pakistan's historic elections to be held in May in a bid to ensure a peaceful, credible vote that will be acceptable to all. Talking to Business Recorder on Council of the European Union's meeting conclusion on Pakistan, EU Ambassador to Pakistan, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark said the EU Observers must require 6-week stay in Pakistan so that they could observe voting as well as election campaigns.
Free and fair election is primary concern of the EU and also a pre-requisite for true democracy in Pakistan. He further said on different occasions, Foreign Secretary Hina Rabbani Khar, Former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and other political parties invited EU Observers to Pakistan to monitor the forthcoming general election. He said the observers may arrive by the end of this month soon after caretaker government is in place.
"The EU looks forward to upcoming elections that are peaceful, credible, transparent, inclusive and acceptable to the Pakistani people," EU foreign ministers said in a statement released after talks in Brussels. The 27-member EU block is ready to assist Pakistan by deploying an election observer mission, as a tangible sign of our support for the democratic process, the statement added.
The EU supports Pakistan in upholding the rule of law and human rights. The EU strongly condemns all acts of violence, including sectarian violence and violence against women, children and vulnerable religious minorities. The EU urges the Pakistani authorities to take necessary action to protect the rights of all citizens and to bring to justice the perpetrators. It is essential for the country's future that all Pakistani children must receive education free from the threat of violence and extremism.
Lars-Gunnar Wigemark explained that recent waves of violence against minorities in Lahore, militancy in Karachi and Quetta is cause of real concern for the EU member countries and they expressed their concern in EU Council meeting. He said the EU will keenly observe that especially minorities and women voters would be encouraged to cast their votes in a secure and conducive environment.
The Strategic Dialogue forms the bedrock of deeper EU-Pakistan relations for the long term. The EU looks forward to re-energising the 5-Year Engagement Plan, on which the dialogue is based with the next Pakistani government through early meetings of ministers and senior officials, and in the light of progress made third EU-Pakistan summit can take place. Recognising that Pakistan's next government will need to take urgent action to ensure essential political, institutional, economic, fiscal and energy reforms, the EU calls on Pakistan's political parties to build the momentum necessary to reach an agreement in this regard.
The EU Ambassador to Pakistan explained that the economic condition of Pakistan was really critical and future government should have to take tough measures like increase in taxes, energy and other reforms to bring the economy back on track. The Council confirms that the 5-Year Engagement Plan should remain the basis for assistance to Pakistan. As part of its engagement, the EU has already offered Pakistan improved market access by introducing autonomous trade preferences for which the EU has obtained a waiver in the WTO. The Ambassador said Pakistan did not apply for GSP plus scheme.
The EU encourages renewed understanding and continuing progress in India-Pakistan relations and supports the further development of regional trade links, which would strongly benefit the whole region. The EU welcomes and encourages Pakistan's constructive role in promoting a secure Afghanistan and supporting an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process." The EU Ambassador explained that EU member countries appreciated the progress in trade between Pakistan and India despite border tensions.
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