Germany wants a prosperous but democratic Pakistan, Ambassador Bernhard Schlagheck tells Aaj TV's Munizae Jahangir

Karachi: German Ambassador to Pakistan on Monday said that Germany desires a prosperous but democratic Pakistan that respects human rights, particularly freedom of expression.

“I do not want to qualify the degree of democratic efficiencies that can be seen from time to time,” he said while speaking exclusively in an interview with Muneezay Jahangir's program Spotlight on Aaj TV.

When asked about Pakistan and Germany relations in light of human rights violations, the ambassador said that indeed there are some cases that remain a concern and we plan to discuss them with the government.

He hoped that these matters would be discussed with the government in a constructive manner as the government was trying to remedy the situation, but, “perhaps not always to the degree that would be sufficient for Germany and EU,” he added.

When asked that if Germany would compromise in such a situation of human rights violation or freedom of expression as it is one of the conditions to access EU markets, he said that human rights are one of the building blocks of G Plus countries.

Speaking about bilateral trade relations he said that Germany was at a good pace with Pakistan before the pandemic which has been reduced since the pandemic struck.

While answering a question about the potential obstacles to attracting foreign investors in Pakistan, he said that security remains a concern but the major impediments are linked to poor investment conditions in the country.