Chairman Senate, lauds UK Pakistani Diaspora for contributions to British society

LONDON: Chairman, Senate, Farooq Hameed Naik has praised the UK Pakistani Diaspora for its contributions not only to the British society but to Pakistan's economy as well through their foreign exchange remittances.

Speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour by High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan at the Pakistan High Commission here last evening, Naik said: "Our Diaspora around the world especially in the UK is Pakistan's most valuable asset. They have also stood by the country through thick and thin and came up to the expectations and aspirations in most difficult, challenging and distressful times. It has been a great source of strength to Pakistan."

 He noted that Pakistani origin businesses in the UK contribute almost 33 billion pounds into the British economy and have also helped in maintaining a high volume of business and trade between the two countries with annual bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UK now crossing over one billion pounds.

 The Chairman Senate also spoke about the presence of Pakistani -origin parliamentarians in the British Parliament and felt proud to know the presence of seven MPs in the lower House of Commons and four in the upper House of Lords.

"The rise of Baroness Syeda Warsi as the chair of the Conservative Party and her appointment as Cabinet Minister is not only a source of pride for our community but also reflects the potential of our people of making mark in Britain."

 However, Naik felt that the Pakistani community in the UK can still do better in enhancing their number in key positions in British politics. He said the higher representation of community through Pakistani origin parliamentarians would be of great help in identifying and addressing community specific issues.

 Speaking about the restoration of democracy in Pakistan, he said the present government is following the footprints of great leaders like Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

"Today we have an elected democratic Government, an elected President, functional Parliament and independent judiciary and vibrant media. It is our duty to join hands so that democracy should flourish in Pakistan and all the three pillars of the State should function in their own spheres."

The Chairman, Senate, observed that for a stable Pakistan it is essential that the three pillars work in their own field and avoid making inroads into the other's domain.

 He told the guests that the present leadership is working on the policy of negotiation and reconciliation as expounded by President Asif Zardari and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The present civilian Governments in the Centre and four provinces are examples of this policy and promotion of democracy.

 Naik recounted the efforts of the present Government to address the grievance of smaller provinces through the National Finance Commission Award. The share of smaller provinces, he added, in the national resources has been enhanced now through a unanimously accepted new formula of NFC.

 He also noted that the grievances of Baluchistan has been addressed through the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Baluchistan package.

 The Senate Chairman sought the support from the British Government and its people for sustenance of democracy in Pakistan and said the democratic system needs support of the friendly countries to sail through the difficulties and challenges it is currently facing.

Speaking on the issue of terrorism, Naik said Pakistan is the biggest victim of terrorism and the country has not only lost thousand of innocent civilians and brave soldiers but also Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who, too, was assassinated by an act of terrorism.

"We condemn terrorist activities whether committed by individuals groups or States," he said adding that Pakistan is extending full support and active co-operation to the international fight against terrorism but declared that it will not allow foreign troops to operate inside its territory.

Action in Pakistan's territory is the sole prerogative of Pakistani armed forces, he affirmed.

He also dwelt on the summer floods in Pakistan and the destruction wrought by the natural disaster in its wake. Despite the massive scale of national disaster, the people of Pakistan remain resolute in their determination to overcome these challenges. He appreciated the international assistance and especially that of the UK in providing relief and help in the rehabilitation work.

On Indo-Pakistan relations , the Chairman Senate, said the meeting between the respective foreign secretaries in Thimphu, Bhutan, has been successful, noting that both the countries have agreed to address all issues in the future meetings.

Regarding Kashmir, Naik said Pakistan is committed to support and project the inalienable rights of Kashmiris to resolve the issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and wishes of people of Kashmir.

"As Kashmiris are party to the dispute, they must be a part of the dialogue process," he stated while expressing concern on the human rights violations in Kashmir. He urged India to repeal all draconian laws and the Human Rights Organisations to take notice of the atrocities being committed on Kashmir people especially women and youth.

The dinner was attended by members of British parliament, business community, educationists and foreign media.