KARACHI, Dec 4: European governments and their foreign offices now have a more positive perception of Pakistan and regard it as an important ideally placed state playing a leading role in the Muslim world.

“Europe considers that we have a role in the emerging world order,” observed Pakistan’s ambassador to France Anisuddin Ahmed.

Addressing members of the English Speaking Union of Pakistan and consul generals of various countries stationed in Karachi on The perception of Pakistan in Europe on Saturday evening, he said there was a better interaction between Pakistan and European countries in business and trade.

“We feel it is the beginning of good contacts between entrepreneurs of both sides. There is an opportunity of increasing business and trade,” the ambassador said.

He said Pakistan is also judged in Europe as a nuclear state. On democracy and human rights, according to him, popular perception of Pakistan in Europe was driven by sketchy arguments. “Think-tanks and researchers studying Pakistan are undecided.”

Mr Ahmed said that a recent report of the French police stated that Pakistanis in France were a hard working community but were on the watch list.

Later, replying to questions, he said recent incidents in France had taken place due to alienation of immigrants who felt deprived of educational facilities and employment opportunities. However, no Pakistani was involved in any of these incidents, he added.—PPI