Netherlands Ambassador to Pakistan Jeannette Seppen on Saturday expressed concern over the missing Pakistani bloggers and social media activists, and urged the government of Pakistan to take measures for their safe return to their homes.
Talking to reporters on the occasion of inauguration of the new Dutch Residence, Ambassador Jeannette Seppen said that the disappearances of Pakistani bloggers and social media activists are against the sprit of freedom of expression.
She said that safe return of the missing bloggers to their homes is responsibility of the government of Pakistan, adding the measures should be taken to recover the missing activists.
She said that the Dutch government will continue to work with the government of Pakistan for the promotion of human rights, rights of women, freedom of expression and religious freedom.
To a question, she said that Netherlands has a principled stance on the ban of death sentence, adding such punishment is in no way helpful to reduce the crime rate.
The Dutch envoy further said that her country's companies are keen to invest in Pakistan, adding various Dutch companies have shown interest in Gwadar Port. She said that Netherlands has expertise in maritime, port and shipping, adding her country is also looking for opportunities in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Ambassador Seppen further said that she also had positive exchange of views with Balochistan provincial minister for port and shipping regarding the interest shown by Dutch companies in the said sectors.
At present, she pointed out that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Netherlands is $ 1billion, which could further be increased.
To another question, she said that her country is against the human rights violations everywhere across the world including in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Balochistan.
An open house art show - At Home - marked the official opening featuring artworks by Pakistani artists, highlighting issues on which the Netherlands focuses in Pakistan, such as women rights, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and belief as well as sustainable trade and investment.
The show is unique in a way that all the artworks on display have a relation to daily life and challenges in Pakistan. Through this exhibition, Netherlands wishes to contribute to an open dialogue among all segments of the society in Pakistan.
According to Ambassador Seppen, the residence would serve to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the both countries. "It will be a space where everyone feels "At Home," a space where all will feel comfortable and safe to share thoughts on topics that need to be discussed," she added.
Underlining the importance of arts, the ambassador was of the view that a dialogue between artists and viewers, as well as among viewers about art highlighting critical socio-economic issues, is essential to further unlock Pakistan's potential for addressing these challenges.
She commended the artists for the beautiful and creative work and hoped it would encourage other young artists to inculcate awareness among people about these issues.
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