The minister, who is also the Convener of EU Parliament Friendship Group is in Brussels these days along with a group of parliamentarians on a four-day visit.

The delegation of Parliamentarians includes former Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Chairman National Assembly Commerce Committee Siraj Khan and Chairman Senate Commerce Committee, Shibli Faraz.

The minister explained to the group of experts from the Belgian Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence, Counter Terrorism Department and academics, that how Pakistan was bearing the burden of war against terrorism not only in terms of financial resources but also the sacrifices of nearly 70,000 lives of civilians and army personnel.

He said the best protection against terrorism was a strong democracy.

He said peace in Afghanistan was imperative for peace in Pakistan and vice-versa stating that involvement of Pakistan in any kind of peace process was necessary for attaining peaceful settlement of situation in Afghanistan.