Regional connectivity imperative for countering terrorism: NA speaker

Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has underlined the need for enhancing connectivity between the regional countries to counter security threats being faced by the region. He said that terrorism is a common threat to nations which is adversely effecting the development and prosperity in the region. The speaker said this whilst the course of an informal meeting with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on eve of the reception hosted in honor of the participants of 3rd Speakers Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, a press release issued on Saturday said.

The Speaker Asad Qaiser is in Turkey to attend the 3rd Conference of the Speakers of Parliaments with the theme "Countering Terrorism and strengthening regional Connectivity." The speaker while talking to the Turkish president complimented his stance on Kashmir in the UN General Assembly. He said that unilateral undemocratic steps by India have deprived the people of Kashmir of their legitimate right of identity, freedom of speech and movement besides other basic amenities of life. He held that stance of Turkish president had reinforced the voice of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The speaker also appreciated the initiative of establishment of Joint Television to counter the Islamophobia and portray the true image of the religion of peace. The speaker said that Islam is religion of peace and tranquility and abhors terrorism in all its kinds and manifestation. Qaiser termed relations between Pakistan and Turkey exceptional which were intertwined in religious, cultural and historic bonds.

The Turkish president said that Muslim Ummah is currently going through turbulence and Islam is being propagated and linked to terrorism. He urged the need for unity amongst Ummah to collectively handle the problem. He said that PM Khan effectively raised the voice of Muslim Ummah and People of Kashmir at the United Nation.

He said that all the religions discourage terrorism and it should not be linked to any religion. He reiterated his country's unwavering support to the Kashmir issues till its resolution according to the UN resolutions and aspiration of the people of Kashmir. The speaker of Turkish Grant National Assembly was also present during the meeting. The speaker will address the inaugural session of the Conference of the Speakers and raise the voice against Indian brutalities against the people of Kashmir and ways and means to strengthen regional connectivity to counter terrorism.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019