Islamabad: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic ties between Pakistan and the European Union during a meeting with Frans Van Daele, the EU Special Envoy on the Promotion of Freedom of Religion and Belief, held at Parliament House on Thursday.

According to Senate of Pakistan, Gilani articulated Pakistan’s commitment to elevating its relationship with the EU into a strategic partnership, beneficial to both parties. He expressed gratitude for the EU’s support under the GSP plus scheme and advocated for expanding these mutually advantageous relations. The Chairman highlighted the establishment of a subgroup on democracy, rule of law, and human rights under the Pakistan-EU Joint Commission as a platform for exchanging views on these critical areas.

Gilani further reinforced the robustness of Pakistan’s domestic human rights framework, which is supported by progressive laws and effective implementation mechanisms. He stressed Pakistan’s dedication to protecting the human rights of all its citizens, promoting interfaith harmony, and ensuring the active participation of minorities in the country’s legislative process. He reminisced about his tenure as Prime Minister when the Interfaith Harmony Ministry was established, which was part of ongoing efforts to integrate minorities into the mainstream of national development.

On the international front, Gilani called on the global community to address the human rights violations in Gaza and in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, urging for an immediate ceasefire and international intervention to halt these atrocities. He also highlighted the continuing issue of Afghan refugees, soliciting more robust international support for Pakistan in managing this long-standing challenge.

The EU delegation leader recognized Pakistan’s status as a significant global player and expressed enthusiasm for expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Senators Sherry Rehman, Molana Atta Ur Rehman, Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Syed Ali Zafar, and Faisal Sabzwari, who were present at the meeting, echoed the importance of deepening Pakistan-EU ties.