Islamabad Declaration: APA resolves to protect rights of Asians

Premier says making collective efforts to tackle peace and economy problems.

ISLAMABAD:

The Asian Parliament Assembly (APA) issued a 20-point Islamabad Declaration at the end of a three-day session pledging to preserve, protect and promote the interest of Asians. 

In a joint declaration, Asian parliamentarians resolved to work in unison to promote cooperation between Asian states in the fields of economy, energy and environment by providing equal educational and employment opportunities.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing the session earlier in the day, urged Asian states to make collective efforts to tackle challenges including peace, energy and economy. He emphasised that the proper utilisation of resources can ensure economic growth and alleviate poverty in Asia by 2050.

“Pakistan is much keen to work with the regional countries to boost trade and economic activities in the region”, he maintained.

The APA in their declaration expressed commitment to promote the pivotal roles of parliaments. The delegations stressed on recognition of regional economic underlying  the need for trade, commerce, investment, special economic zones, economic corridors, roads, railways and promoting energy cooperation.

The delegations also affirmed the inalienable right of every country to acquire, develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.

The session called upon all parties in the Syrian conflict to agree to a ceasefire and promote a peaceful dialogue in Syria to restore peace in the country. It also condemned all kinds of foreign occupation, interference in internal affairs and violation of territorial integrity and state sovereignty. It denounced drone attacks, spying or telephone tapping, invasion or covet operations, which are not compliant with the civilised conduct of interstate relations based on the rule of law.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2013.