Daily Times

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday stressed the need for respecting each other’s religions and sentiments, while calling for enhanced dialogue as well as cooperation for promoting inter-cultural and inter-faith harmony.

The prime minister expressed these views while talking to European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, who called him up to discuss Asia Bibi issue.

Tajani thanked the prime minister for ensuring the safety and security of Asia Bibi and her family.

He assured the PM of the EU Parliament’s cooperation with the government of Pakistan, while conveying that the debate on Asia Bibi in the EU Parliament had been postponed.

The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to respect the judgement of the Supreme Court, adding that Asia Bibi and her family – being citizens of the country – were entitled to all rights as guaranteed by the constitution.

He also conveyed serious concerns of the government and people of Pakistan on the issue of blasphemous cartoons, underscoring the need to redouble efforts in European countries to avoid such provocative incidents; raise greater awareness about religious sensitivities of Muslims, particularly the respect of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him and promote inter-faith harmony.

The prime minister welcomed the European Court of Human Right’s recent decision not to allow acts of blasphemy under the guise of right to freedom of expression.

He hoped that the European countries would follow the decision of the European Court and take steps to enhance respect for each other’s religions and inter-faith harmony.

Separately, PM Imran on Tuesday exhorted elected representatives to highlight public issues and play their active role for their resolution.

The prime minister was talking to Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) from Karachi, who called on him at his office.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail briefed the PM about the progress on Karachi package.

Minister for Maritime Ali Zaidi also informed the meeting about the steps being taken to address water and transport issues, besides job creation opportunities for Karachi residents.

The prime minister also cut Diwali cake along with the parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, the prime minister stressed the need for inclusion of private sector in various activities of the Ministry of Defence Production so that its present efficiency could be fully exploited.

The prime minister stated this while chairing a meeting on Ministry of Defence Production at his office.

He said that the government would provide all possible support to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Defence Production.

The prime minister appreciated the performance of the ministry and its attached departments.

Defence Production Secretary Lt Gen (r) Muhammad Ijaz Chaudhry briefed the prime minister on the performance of the ministry and duties and responsibilities of its attached departments.

Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Iftikhar Durrani and senior officials attended the meeting.

Published in Daily Times, November 14^th 2018.