In a meeting with Chair of the Asia Delegation in the European Parliament Jean Lambert, Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari said that protection and promotion of human rights was a major priority of the government.She pointed several initiatives taken by the government on ground and on the legislative side in the human rights domain. She also expressed concern over rising Islamophobia in Europe and stressed that immediate action was required to address this challenge. Vice Chair of the sub-committee on human rights Barbara Lochbihler also attended the meeting. Chair of Pakistan-EU Friendship Group in the European Parliament Sajjad Karim expressed his satisfaction on the progress made in Pakistan-EU relation and hoped that the relations would grow deeper under the new government in Pakistan. At a lunch hosted by Member of the European Parliament Baroness Nosheena Mubarak, the MEPs exchanged views with the Minister on several issues, including the recent escalation by India. They appreciated Pakistan's mature response to the aggressive Indian posture and hoped that the two sides would engage constructively to resolve their differences. Dr. Mazari also met with Mr. Bruno van der Pluijm, Secretary General in the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and informed him about the priorities of the new government. She also conveyed the steps taken by the government to facilitate and encourage tourism to Pakistan and underscored the need for Belgium to revise its travel advisory on Pakistan. The Secretary General thanked the Minister for her visit and appreciated the people-focused agenda of the new government. *****
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