Pakistan
FM Qureshi answers in detail to various questions raised by European MPs
Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday answered numerous important questions asked by members of the European Union parliament related to Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, Afghanistan's political future, Kashmir and other conflicts in the region.
The MPs were representing various groups in the EU Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.
Queries concerning Pakistan's anti-blasphemy measures in the country, concessions under GSP Plus, and Pakistan's anger over inquiries raised by European parliamentarians about blasphemy in Pakistan were raised.
According to independent observers the Pakistani Foreign Minister answered all these questions in detail and thoughtfully.
He stressed that Pakistan would not allow any pressure group to challenge the writ of the state.
Answering questions about Afghanistan, he dismissed the notion that Pakistan was playing a role in protecting the Taliban.
He said that the world appreciates Pakistan's role in bringing peace to Afghanistan.
Shah Mehmood clarified while saying that “We are not the cause of this problem but we are helping to solve it.”
He pointed out that the West's investment in Afghanistan so far should not be wasted, and called on Europe to work together to find a solution.
At the same time, he proved through the example of travelling across Afghanistan for Pakistan's economic development that “peace in Afghanistan is not only Pakistan's desire but also its need.”
The Foreign Minister also responded to a member's misrepresentation of 50 per cent of blasphemy cases against minorities, even though Pakistan has only registered 4 per cent of such matters.
Statistics show that out of a total of 388 cases under the blasphemy law, only 18 are directly related to minorities, he told loud and clear.
An important point raised by these questions is:
1) Today's parliamentary questions are a reflection of European thinking at the time. On the diplomatic front, the same questions will be faced that need to be answered and preparations are underway.
2) Mentioning Islamophobia, he said that to make an effective defence of his internal contradiction as to why the Muslims of China are forgotten while referring to the term.
Lastly, Shah Mehmood Qureshi did not forget to thank Europe for GSP Plus status as he said “because a politician can understand that in difficult times the benefactor is seen as his own need and not as a 'leverage'.”