EU lawmakers assure support for GSP+ status

Sarwar holds meetings with over 15 members of European Parliament

LAHORE:

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar met held meetings with more than 15 members of the European Parliament including Chairperson of the European Parliament Human Rights Committee, Maria Arena.

During the meeting with Sarwar, the members of the European parliament assured their support to Pakistan for the extension of GSP+ status.

The governor met French Member of Parliament for France Herve Juvin, Virginie Joron, Member of European Parliament from Greece Emmanouil Fragkos, Member of European Parliament from France Bernard Guetta, Member of European Parliament from Spain, Jordi Sole with members of the European Parliament from Poland and other countries.

Talking to the media after the meetings, Sarwar said Pakistan’s efforts are succeeding and today the majority of European Parliament members are becoming supporters of Pakistan on the issue of GSP Plus status.

Read EU reviewing Pakistan’s GSP Plus status: Sarwar

“Supporting regional security and peace is Pakistan’s top priority. The visit to the European Parliament has been a success for Pakistan in every way,” he said. Responding to a question on Afghanistan, the governor said the European parliamentarians have expressed interest in the situation in Afghanistan in their meetings.

“European parliamentarians have agreed that humanitarian aid for Afghanistan should be unconditional. We cannot let people starve.” Chaudhry Sarwar said unless the international community talks to the Taliban, the problem will not be solved. “Wars are not the solution to any problem. In fact, they worsen it.

The conventions that are being imposed on us will benefit the people and if it is a matter of human rights, it will benefit us.” Sarwar said the Afghan government has no money to pay the salaries of the government employees. “Hunger will lead to violence and ultimately regional instability. Whatever decision is taken will be made in consultation with the European Union and the countries of the region,” he said.

“Pakistan wants peace in the region and has been at the forefront in this regard. The governor said Pakistan has set up National Commission on Women’s Status, National Commission on Child Rights, and National Commission on Human Rights. The complete provision of basic rights to all including women and minorities was being ensured in Pakistan and in the economic field too. Pakistan is moving forward successfully," he added.