Sarwar discusses GSP Plus extension with European MPs
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has returned to Lahore after meeting European leaders regarding extension of the GSP Plus preferential trade status.
He met the four vice presidents of European Parliament, 30 parliamentarians of Italy, senators and ministers of Hungary and Austria during his 10-day visit. The governor also attended meetings with overseas Pakistanis and events organised to highlight the Kashmir issue.
According to a statement issued from Governor House, Chaudhry Sarwar has returned to Lahore after successfully completing his visit to Europe. During his visit, he met more than 30 members of the European Parliament, including Dr Fabio Castaldo, Pedro Silva and Heidi Hutala, as well as members of parliament in Italy, Hungary and Austria in addition to senators and ministers for the extension of GSP Plus status for Pakistan.
Pakistan's role for peace, Kashmir and Palestine issues, religious freedom of minorities in Pakistan and measures for their protection, Afghanistan and other matters were discussed in the meetings. The governor held meetings with leaders of the European Parliament's Human Rights Committee and other important panels.
Read EU hails Pakistan’s progress on GSP-related conventions
Talking to the media, the governor said an extension of the GSP Plus status was a challenge, adding that India had been spreading propaganda against Pakistan but during his visit to Europe he had disclosed all the facts to the members of the European Parliament.
He said EU Parliamentarians appreciated Pakistan's role for peace and the steps taken to protect minorities.
Governor Sarwar said anti-Pakistan forces, including India, had been obstructing the extension of GSP Plus status for Pakistan in the past. "But we are united as a team to thwart India's plans." He said that despite Indian propaganda, not only had Pakistan achieved GSP Plus status but would also succeed in extending it.
Chaudhry Sarwar said the minorities were safe in Pakistan and human rights were also being ensured across the country. Pakistan armed forces and citizens are working together to end terrorism and eliminate their facilitators.
He said that the minorities in India, including Muslims, were being victimised and massacred by the terrorist RSS and Indian security forces.
He said peace in the region was not possible until the Kashmir issue was resolved.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2021.