War against terrorism badly affected economic development of Pakistan:Col (R) Shuja Khanzada

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Home Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada has said that war against terrorism has badly affected economic development of the country due to which it is facing new challenges in social sector.

He said this while talking to a six-member delegation of European Union headed by Special Representative Stavros Lambrinibis during a meeting on behalf of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Civil Secretariat, today.

Provincial Minister for Industry Ch. Muhammad Shafiq, Minister for Minority Affairs Tahir Khalil Sindhu, Chief Secretary Punjab Naveed Akram Cheema, Secretary Home, Secretary Higher Education, Secretary Labour, Secretary Women Development and other senior officers were present on the occasion. Regarding reservations of the delegation of European Union about blasphemy law, human rights and minority affairs, the Minister said that government has made tremendous achievements in this regard.

Regarding women empowerment, Shuja Khanzada told the delegation that like other countries, number of women is more in every sector in Punjab province and they are playing their active role in economic and educational activities of the countries. He said that the number of women are more than the men in all colleges and universities of the province. He said that the Labour Department is strictly implementing international laws under an international agreement of human rights. The Minister said that government has promoted mutual harmony and brotherhood between majority and minorities. He said that a ban has been imposed on delivering provocative speeches and use of loud-speakers during Muharram-ul-Haram for maintenance of law and order in the province.

Shuja Khanzada asked members of the delegation that European Union should keep in mind the situation and incidents taking place in our country and the province while imposing conditions on our country. He said that it is the responsibility of America and European Union to resolve the problems being faced by Pakistan due to war against terrorism.

Minister for Minority Affairs Tahir Khalil Sindhu told that complete protection has been provided to minorities in the province. He told that 255 cases have been registered under blasphemy law, out of which only seven cases are against non-Muslims.

Head of European Union delegation Stavros Lambrinibis asked from secretaries of various departments regarding reservations about GSP Plus and satisfactory replies were given. Stavros Lambrinibis expressed his satisfaction over the steps taken by Punjab province regarding GSP Plus and assured all possible cooperation in this regard. He said that like Punjab province, there is need to work on GSP Plus in other provinces.