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Canadian, Indian HCs discuss important matters with Zardari
Online
KARACHI: Canadian High Commissioner Greg Giokas and Indian High Commissioner Dr TCA Raghavan on Saturday called on former president Asif Ali Zardari and discussed matters of mutual interest.
During the meeting with Giokas, Zardari appreciated the support extended by Canada to Pakistan in various fields and in supporting democracy in Pakistan in overcoming various challenges.
Talking to the High Commissioner, the former president underscored the significance of Pakistan as an important regional player in South Asia that could play an effective role for the stability, peace and prosperity of the region.
He also highlighted the sacrifices rendered by people and defence forces in fighting the terror threat, and stressed the need for international community to help alleviate sufferings of the people in the war against militancy.
He said that as president he had always been advocating the need for the international community to set up a victims’ fund for the rehabilitation of the victims of militancy.
He said that the year 2014 was very crucial as a security and political transition takes place in Afghanistan and international forces begin to pull out of that country, which will have profound implications not only for Afghanistan but for all the countries in the region.
He said that a peaceful, economically stable and vibrant Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and “we will gladly play our due role in this regard”.
Zardari said that as a political party, the PPP had also suffered hugely in the fight against militancy, and recalled how PPP leader Benazir Bhutto laid down her life fighting militancy.
The former president said that neutralising the extremists whether through negotiations or use of force was only one part of the battle. The real battle, he said, was changing the militant mindset through creation and provision of opportunities to people.
He said that for this Pakistanis needed greater international support to give hope to the people through creation of jobs and economic opportunities.
The former president also hosted lunch in honour of Giokas.
Later, Indian High Commissioner Dr TCA Raghavan also called on Zardari at Bilawal House and discussed matters of mutual interest.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk