Minister of Defence, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan
addressed members of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees of the Italian
Parliament today.
He
was received by Hon. Francesco Saverio Garofani, President of the Defence
Committee and Hon. Andrea Manciulli, President of the Italian Parliamentary
Delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Deputy President of the Foreign
Affairs Committee at the Chamber of Deputies.
The
Minister spoke about Pakistan’s role in regional stability and the efforts
undertaken by it in eradicating terrorism. He stated that Pakistan had rendered
tremendous sacrifices to cleanse its territory of terrorists and extremists. He
elaborated on the strategy adopted by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and the
National Action Plan. Terming terrorism as an international phenomenon, he
stated that combined effort of all countries was required to fight this menace.
He
said that regional peace in South Asia was only possible with peace in
Afghanistan and improved ties between Pakistan and India. He stressed that it
was imperative to settle the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN
resolutions. Peace and economic development in the region would remain a mirage
in the absence of settlement of regional disputes.
The
Italian parliamentarians appreciated and commended Pakistan in its fight
against terrorism. They reiterated the desire of Italy to enhance its relations
with Pakistan. The talk of the Minister was greatly appreciated.
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