ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: Chairman Senate Mohammedmian Soomro has underscored the need to recognize Pakistan’s pivotal role in the global ‘war on terror’ and the way it is serving the cause of world peace.

Mr Soomro was talking to Willy Wimmer, member of the German Bundestag (Parliament), at a breakfast meeting with him at his residence on Thursday. The German and EU Ambassadors to Pakistan and the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Tariq Azim Khan, were also present on the occasion.

The Senate chairman said the country’s efforts to combat terror in all forms and manifestations flows from its own commitment, which was based on principles. “The heroic struggle and the sacrifices it has made will go down in history as an epoch-making episode,” he observed.

He said that Pakistan was an anchor of peace and stability in the region. It attached so much importance to peace as it considered that to be an essential pre-requisite for economic development and social harmony. Similarly, peace was necessary for bringing in foreign investment, which not only generated employment opportunities but also helped improve the quality of life of people.

Mr Soomro also briefed the visitors on investment opportunities in Pakistan, generated in the wake of the expanding middle class and its growing purchasing power. He said it was the most opportune moment to take advantage of the investor-friendly policies being pursued by the country.

He also apprised the visitors of the role and functions of the Senate. He said that the Parliament was in its fifth year and women and minorities were adequately represented in it.

The chairman said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Germany and the European Union and appreciated their role in the country’s development and also their assistance in the rebuilding and rehabilitation work in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005.