GWADAR: Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has called upon member states of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) to join hands with Pakistan for a socio-economically and culturally integrated Asia.

Speaking as the chief guest at a conference of APA’s Standing Committee for Political Affairs here on Monday, he said Gwadar was going to become a major water and land route between the region and continents and it would create trade and economic opportunities for different countries.

Over 88 delegates from 23 countries and the secretary general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union are participating in the international conference.

Mr Sanjrani said this forum comprising Asian parliamentary representatives was endeavouring to promote cooperation, democracy, peace and stability in the region. He said the forum would help in guiding members towards modern trends and effective steps for promoting positive politics.

He said Pakistan supported efforts for resolving issues and for prosperity at the regional and international levels. He said political changes in Asia demanded joint efforts for promoting peace and development in the region.

“It is our top priority to augment federal and provincial cooperation to strengthen federation,” he said, adding that Balochistan, which was rich in mineral resources and had the potential for economic development, could change the destiny of not only Pakistan, but also the entire region.

The Senate chairman said improvement was being brought about on a priority basis in social, economic, trade and business activities in order to alleviate poverty and sense of deprivation. He said Pakistan would be able in near future to connect the markets of central Asia, Africa and Europe and it would help reduce time and cost.

“We are endeavoring for judicious development, access to education and health facilities, justice-based governance and for the promotion of tolerance,” Mr Sanjrani said, adding that Pakistan wanted friendly relations with all countries at regional and international levels.

Peaceful resolution of disputes with neighbouring countries and cooperation in development was imperative for regional development, he said, adding that the APA countries faced similar problems. He warned that extremism was a threat to the region and the world.

Talking about Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, Mr Sanjrani said the country had given sacrifices in the war against terror.

Balochistan Governor retired Justice Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, federal minister Azam Swati and Senator Shibli Faraz also spoke on the occasion.

Foreign delegates from different countries, including Thailand, Syria, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Turkey and China are participating in the three-day conference.

Published in Dawn, October 30th , 2018