Govt taking effective steps to curb terrorism: President

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesday said that the government was taking effective measures to curb terrorism, violation of human rights, discrimination against minorities and gender inequality in the country.
While talking to a German Parliamentary Delegation who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr the president said that Pakistan was not responsible for the situation but the elements which caused the spread of terrorism in the region. He emphasized that Pakistan was committed to the eradication of polio virus. He called upon the international community to be considerate toward Pakistan in this regard so that the latter was able to work for the elimination of polio virus without facing problems.
He further said that Pakistan desires friendly relations not only with its neighbours but with the entire world.
He stated that Pakistan believed in resolution of outstanding issues through dialogue adding that talks with India and Afghanistan in this regard were underway.
He said that peace would be strengthened in the region if India agrees to resolution of Kashmir issue through right of self-determination in the light of UN resolutions. President expressed hope that the visit of German Parliamentary delegation would not only further strengthen contacts between the parliaments of two countries but also provide impetus to bilateral economic relations.
He said that Pakistan was very sensitive to the issue of environmental change and a full-fledged ministry was working with dedication in this regard. The delegation praised Pakistan for according hospitality and excellent care to Afghan refugees in the country over a long period.
The head of the delegation Ms. Dagmar G. Wohrl said that provision of equal rights to linguistic, racial and religious minorities in Pakistan was an example for the world. Later, the president said that the federal government would continue assisting Balochistan in every possible way for its development and prosperity adding that students from the province would be given admission in other provinces for attaining higher education.
While talking to Acting Governor Balochistan Abdul Qadoos Bizenjo at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said that mega development projects particularly Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would play a significant role in the development of Balochistan and bring it at par with other provinces. He also inquired from the acting governor about the progress in different developments projects in the province including Gwadar and urged him to serve the people of the province without any discrimination. Finance Minister Mir Khalid Lango and Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti were also present on the occasion.