LAHORE, Dec 10: Canadian High Commissioner Margaret Huber has said Pakistan's return to the commonwealth in pursuit of moderation' is a welcome development.
She said at a function organized by the English Speaking Union (ESU) at a local hotel on Friday the Canadian government would support Pakistan in its efforts to rebuild democracy and good governance.
Internally, Pakistan was addressing big issues like honour crimes and terrorism. On the international front, she said it was making sincere efforts to find common ground with India on the Kashmir issue.
She said the nuclear issue remained a preoccupation for many countries, including Canada, and all continued to work for cool heads and a culture of deep restraint. With regard to the struggle against terror, Ms Huber said Pakistan had achieved much in the current circumstances.
Canada had also worked with Pakistan in the fight against human trafficking. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had also conducted a number of courses for Pakistani anti-narcotics and customs officials. Besides, Canada also contributed to the fight against AIDS in Pakistan.
She said Pakistan and Canada had worked closely for the restoration of representative government in Afghanistan. Ms Huber said the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) had helped the Aga Khan Foundation to make its rural support programme in Northern Areas a model for the whole country.
"We have just announced another Canadian $8.2 million five-year commitment. When it will complete, it will be the longest uninterrupted partnership in CIDA's history," she added. Under the CIDA programme, she said the rural incomes had grown significantly, while the health, infant mortality and other indicators had improved.
Ms Huber said Canada had last week reopened its consulate to provide service to Canadians visiting Lahore. It would help develop new Canada-Pakistan trade and investment links. Former foreign secretary Najam Sheikh and ESU secretary-general Nayyer Ali Shah also spoke on the occasion.
EDUCATION REFORMS: The Canadian government has commended the chief minister's education sector reforms programme and termed it a revolutionary step towards the enhancement of literacy in the province.
This was sated by Canadian High Commissioner Margaret Huber during a meeting with Punjab Education Minister Imran Masood here on Friday. TEVTA chairman Yousaf Kamal was also present on the occasion.
Ms Huber said the reforms would prove to be result-oriented if their implementation was accurate. She said Canada would continue to cooperate with the Punjab government in the promotion of general and technical education.
