Islamabad: A European Parliamentary delegation led by Ms. Mary Khan met with Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to discuss regional security issues and enhance parliamentary cooperation. The meeting underscored the challenges posed by terrorism stemming from Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Pakistan and the European Union.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism, attributing it to sophisticated weapons left in Afghanistan by NATO forces. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to addressing this issue and reiterated the nation’s desire for peaceful resolutions to regional disputes, including Kashmir. The Speaker also emphasized the significance of building stronger parliamentary relations with the European Union, proposing the establishment of a Pakistan-European Union Parliamentary Friendship Group to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices.

The delegation appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, recognizing the country’s strategic importance and its efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The discussions also touched on climate change, with Speaker Sadiq urging international cooperation to tackle its effects, despite Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The meeting concluded with mutual affirmations of the value of Pakistan-European Union relations and the need to enhance parliamentary dialogue to foster mutual understanding and cooperation. The European Parliamentary delegation expressed gratitude for the hospitality and conveyed admiration for Pakistan’s resilience and commitment to peace.