PHOTO COURTESY: PTI
“Opening of Kartarpur border is a huge peace initiative of Pakistan and it has support of the world -- including European Union,” he said while speaking as chief gust at the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the Human Rights through Cinematography Film Festival at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).
Fawad said, "We have recently taken initiatives. We are opening Kartarpur border. This is a big, huge peace initiative and has the support of the whole world and the European Union."
The minister said Pakistan had long and historic relations with countries in European Union and with EU itself.
The continuous efforts of European Union to promote human rights in Pakistan were commendable and the EU had done effective work in the country, he added.
"I congratulate you for the efforts and I want you to stand by Pakistan in all of its efforts. Pakistan highly values its relationship with European Union."
Fawad said he would like European Union to be proactive to look into what was going on in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
"The way Kashmiris have been treated in Indian Occupied Kashmir is a matter of concern not only for Pakistan but for the whole world."
He said human rights were all about understanding each other’s issues. "We all stand for freedom. We all stand for each others rights. So once the world will be able to define where their rights end and others rights start that will be the conclusion and the epitome of human rights," he added.
The minister said United Nations declaration of human rights was a milestone in human history. The start of human rights movement was very pessimist and bitter "but we are moving towards the right direction and that is important".
"This festival and other efforts that the world is making to achieve these high goals are commendable and all the governments and the saner elements of the society must support this movement," he concluded.
Ambassador of the European Union Jean Francois Cautain in his remarks said art and culture in general and documentary film in particular was playing an important role for understanding the world and its people.
He said new stories and narratives from all around the world form a basis for more inclusive and in depth dialogues on human rights issues relevant for everybody.
'Kashmir has become dreadful battleground’
Meanwhile, the information minister tweeted that Prime Minister Imran Khan has clearly shown “Pakistan stands for peace”.
Praising the prime minister, the minister stressed that Imran Khan has clearly shown Pakistan stands for peace.
“Kartarpur Border Opening is history in the making, history will judge those who stood on wrong side,” Chaudhry added.
Kartarpur border corridor: Pakistan and India break the ice
Pakistan through its conduct has once again showed who stands for peace in South Asia and which force is not sincere. PM Imran Khan PTI has clearly shown Pakistan stands for peace -- Kartarpur Border Opening is history in the making, history will judge those who stood on wrong side.
With additional input from agencies
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