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| May 31, 2005 | Tuesday | Rabi-us-Sani 22, 1426 |
Canada shares Pakistan’s stand on UN reforms
ISLAMABAD, May 30: Canada shares Pakistan’s views on United Nations reforms and its concern over the proposed expansion of the Security Council, Canadian High Commissioner Margaret Hubber said here. “Canada’s policy on the issue is the same as that of Pakistan,” the Canadian envoy told APP in an interview.
She welcomed Pakistan-India rapprochement and suggested that the two South Asian neighbours follow the voices of their people and promote bilateral relations.
The envoy called for accelerating the dialogue process of peace between the two countries. “Now is the time for the leadership of the two countries to consider the voices and wishes of their people and resolve their outstanding disputes for peace,” she said.
“The government and people of Canada are feeling very happy on the breakthrough on the process of ongoing dialogue for peace and improved relations between India and Pakistan,” she remarked.
“The violations of human rights by anyone in any country should be condemned,” she said in reply to a question about the rights situation in Indian-held Kashmir.
Ms Hubber outlined changes in the Canadian visa regime that have now enabled Pakistani students in Canada to work there also.
The high commissioner described as “highly commendable” Pakistan’s pivotal role in the war on terror and expressed hope that the country would continue to play this role. She acknowledged that after 9/11 expatriate Pakistanis had faced problems across the globe and some citizens had even faced interrogation.
She praised the roles of President General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to promote peace in the region.
She said that President Musharraf’s policy of enlightened moderation would help promote understanding and harmony in the world. “The entire world values the policy of enlightened moderation of General Pervez Musharraf,” she said. “Tolerance and respect for others is essential,” she said.
Canada is one of the largest donor countries for Pakistan in the fields of education and health and it will enhance its support in these sectors in future, she observed. The high commissioner appreciated the investment-friendly policies of the Pakistan government and remarked that there was great potential for further investment as well.
According to her, the democratic process in Pakistan had moved forward and it would be further strengthened by the local council elections.
She voiced appreciation for the freedom enjoyed by the media in Pakistan. “Today the press in Pakistan enjoys enormous freedom which was never seen before,” she said. She expressed hope that Pakistan women would participate more effectively in all spheres of activity. —APP
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