Interpol General Assembly: Pakistan urges world to unite for peace
Interior minister says country willing to share experience of fighting terrorism with global community
A boy walks past a Pakistani flag displayed for sale ahead of Pakistan's Independence Day, along a road in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan is strongly committed to cooperation for peace and security at both regional and global levels as it pursues an inclusive development agenda and has been a major victim of terrorism.
“Pakistan has achieved significant success in defeating the menace of terrorism in last four years and is willing to share its experiences with the international community,” he said while representing Pakistan at the opening ceremony of the 86th General Assembly of Interpol, the world’s premier law enforcement forum, in Beijing on Tuesday.
The assembly was opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended by over 100 countries, including around 40 ministers from various countries.
Ahsan Iqbal to attend Interpol conference
The four-day general assembly will continue till September 29 and discuss a broad range of issues related to global security, counter-terrorism and organised crime, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior.
“The growing challenge of globalisation at all levels requires a collaborative approach to tackle terrorism, cyber crime, narcotics trade and human smuggling,” said Iqbal, adding that the police in Pakistan were playing a leading role in fighting crime, and the country was committed to modernizing its police to meet challenges of the 21st century.
“Today, terrorists and criminals are forming global networks, which require strong resolve and collaboration of crime-fighting organisations,” he said. “Pakistan is strongly committed to the charter of Interpol and looks forward to working with the international community for promoting peace and security.”
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal flies without protocol
Urging China to step up its global peace efforts, Iqbal said, “President Xi's vision of global security governance based on inclusive and fair approach is the need of the hour. Global security can’t be ensured unless it addresses security concerns of all.
“There can be no haves and have nots in peace and security. All countries are entitled to peace and stability to provide better quality of life to their citizens. Pakistan welcomes China's big commitment announced by President Xi to help developing countries’ capacity in fighting crime.”
On the sidelines of the general assembly, Iqbal held bilateral meetings with Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia Vladimir Kolokoltsev, ministers of internal affairs of Turkey, Tajikistan and with other participating ministers.
Separately, Iqbal also held a bilateral meeting with Meng Jianzhu, Member of Politburo of Communist Party of China and Head of Political and Legal Committee of CPC Central Committee. The meeting was also attended by Guo Shengkun, Minister for Public Security of China. Issues of bilateral cooperation and mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
Iqbal termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a game changer for Pakistan-China friendship “which has transformed bilateral relations from higher than Himalayas to higher than stars”.
“The CPEC will make invaluable contribution to bringing peace and prosperity to the conflict-hit region by creating economic opportunities,” he said, adding that Pakistan had raised special force of 10,000 personnel for protection of Chinese workers in Pakistan.
The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, fighting organised crime, easing of visa restrictions and strengthening security cooperation.
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan is strongly committed to cooperation for peace and security at both regional and global levels as it pursues an inclusive development agenda and has been a major victim of terrorism.
“Pakistan has achieved significant success in defeating the menace of terrorism in last four years and is willing to share its experiences with the international community,” he said while representing Pakistan at the opening ceremony of the 86th General Assembly of Interpol, the world’s premier law enforcement forum, in Beijing on Tuesday.
The assembly was opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended by over 100 countries, including around 40 ministers from various countries.
Ahsan Iqbal to attend Interpol conference
The four-day general assembly will continue till September 29 and discuss a broad range of issues related to global security, counter-terrorism and organised crime, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior.
“The growing challenge of globalisation at all levels requires a collaborative approach to tackle terrorism, cyber crime, narcotics trade and human smuggling,” said Iqbal, adding that the police in Pakistan were playing a leading role in fighting crime, and the country was committed to modernizing its police to meet challenges of the 21st century.
“Today, terrorists and criminals are forming global networks, which require strong resolve and collaboration of crime-fighting organisations,” he said. “Pakistan is strongly committed to the charter of Interpol and looks forward to working with the international community for promoting peace and security.”
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal flies without protocol
Urging China to step up its global peace efforts, Iqbal said, “President Xi's vision of global security governance based on inclusive and fair approach is the need of the hour. Global security can’t be ensured unless it addresses security concerns of all.
“There can be no haves and have nots in peace and security. All countries are entitled to peace and stability to provide better quality of life to their citizens. Pakistan welcomes China's big commitment announced by President Xi to help developing countries’ capacity in fighting crime.”
On the sidelines of the general assembly, Iqbal held bilateral meetings with Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia Vladimir Kolokoltsev, ministers of internal affairs of Turkey, Tajikistan and with other participating ministers.
Separately, Iqbal also held a bilateral meeting with Meng Jianzhu, Member of Politburo of Communist Party of China and Head of Political and Legal Committee of CPC Central Committee. The meeting was also attended by Guo Shengkun, Minister for Public Security of China. Issues of bilateral cooperation and mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
Iqbal termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a game changer for Pakistan-China friendship “which has transformed bilateral relations from higher than Himalayas to higher than stars”.
“The CPEC will make invaluable contribution to bringing peace and prosperity to the conflict-hit region by creating economic opportunities,” he said, adding that Pakistan had raised special force of 10,000 personnel for protection of Chinese workers in Pakistan.
The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, fighting organised crime, easing of visa restrictions and strengthening security cooperation.