In a meeting with President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani, Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari drew attention to the grave human rights situation in the Indian-occupied Kashmir and underlined the need for immediate action to stop the Indian atrocities. The Minister also called for steps to stem growing Islamophobia in Europe. She called on the EU to play its due role in this regard. During the meeting with the President European Parliament, she shared government of Pakistan’s commitment for protection and promotion of human rights in Pakistan and highlighted gross human rights violations by Indian forces in IOK. Dr Mazari also shared concerns over growing Islamophobia in Europe. President Tajani said that Pakistan was a large country with a very important role in the region. The EU, he conveyed, hoped to deepen and strengthen relations with Pakistan. He appreciated the present government's efforts for improving human rights in Pakistan and further lauded the commitment of the Prime Minister to socio-economic development and human rights. He assured that the EU would be ready to play a constructive role in realizing this agenda. 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. 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. Later, while briefing the media after her meeting with President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani and other Parliamentarians Dr Mazari said that incumbent government of Pakistan was committed to protect and promote human rights in the country without any prejudice adding that steps are being taken through comprehensive policy in this regard. She further said India has committed worst human rights violations in IOK and urged the international community to come forward and play its due role to not only end this violations but also for the peaceful solution of IOK. She also expressed concern over rising Islamophobia in Europe and stressed that immediate action was required to address this challenge. *****
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