PAKISTAN WILL CONTINUE UNABATED SUPPORT FOR KASHMIR CAUSE / PAKISTAN AND IRAN MUST ENHANCE COOPERATION FOR PEACE,

Islamabad: 26^th March, 2012

PAKISTAN WILL CONTINUE UNABATED SUPPORT FOR KASHMIR CAUSE AND ITS JUSTFUL RESOLUTION:BOKHARI

Acting President Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has said that it is high time to highlight the Kashmir Issue on International level as well as atrocities committed against innocent unarmed Kashmiri people and human rights violations taking place in occupied Kashmir.

The Acting President reiterated that Parliament has always played vital role to bring Kashmir Issue to forefront both at national and international level. He expressed his resolve to broaden this Parliamentary role for seeking ultimate resolution of this crucial and critical issue which can lead to regional peace and prosperity. He was expressing these views while talking to AJK Speaker Sardar Ghulam Sadiq who met him at Parliament House here today.

The Acting President said that due to determined efforts of AJK leadership, AJK is witnessing continuous progress and prosperity. Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari expressed best wishes for AJK Speaker and hoped that his struggle will continue for uplift of Kashmiri people.

AJK Speaker congratulated Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari for his unopposed election as Chairman Senate and conveyed heartiest felicitations and deep sentiments on behalf of Kashmiri people. He appreciated Pakistan’s unending support and cooperation vis-à-vis Kashmir Issue and hoped that this support and assistance will continue for highlighting Kashmir cause at every forum and for seeking its justful ultimate solution.

He further said that under the Chairmanship of Nayyar Bokhari Senate will play crucial role in smooth running of legislative business and other related matters. 

PAKISTAN IDEOLOGY AND CONSTITUTION CAN GUIDE US ON THE ROAD TO ULTIMATE SUCCESS AND PROGRESS: BOKHARI

Acting President Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has said that our Ideology and constitution reflect our past, present and future and can act not only as guarantor of our unity and sovereignty but also give us great position in the comity of nations. He was expressing these views while addressing participants of a seminar “Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan” held under the auspices of Pakistan Ideology Council Trust.

The Acting President said that democracy was not allowed to flourish and unfortunately constitution was held in abeyance due to prolonged periods of dictatorship. Lack of provincial autonomy led to East Pakistan debacle and division of country. Realizing the sense of deprivation in smaller provinces, Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto established Senate in which equal representation was given to all provinces on the basis of parity. Shaheed Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto gave Constitution with consensus for the first time in country’s history and declared people of Pakistan as the real source of power. He came into power by people’s power and mandate and made country a nuclear power.

Due to concerted efforts of democratic forces and unstinted struggle and sacrifices by people and workers once again democratic system is in place and 1973 Constitution has been restored in its true form and spirit.

He said that Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned Parliamentary democracy but dictators restricted all powers to themselves. Under leadership of President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari Parliamentary system is working with delegation of all powers to Prime Minister and Parliament.

Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari said that we must try to understand spirit of constitution as well as the basis of Pakistan which was adopted unanimously as Pakistan Resolution in 1940 at Manto Park. Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan in 1949 presented it as Objective Resolution in first Constitutional Assembly and then again it was kept in focus while making of 1973 Constitution.

The Acting President said the present elected government is custodian and guardian of 1973 Constitution. It reflects aspirations of founders of Pakistan and sacrifices offered by martyrs for sake of democracy.

The bright future of Pakistan and prosperity of the nation lies in continuity of democratic process. At this occasion I recall words of Quaid-i-Azam. He said in a message to his nation after independence. “We have established Pakistan but it is mere beginning. Now huge responsibilities have fallen on our shoulders so our passion for great struggle must match our great responsibilities.”

Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari said that I am delighted by the initiative taken Pakistan Ideology Council to award gold medals to Pakistanis who have given outstanding performance in different walks of life.

The Acting President appreciated the Chairman Pakistan Ideology Council Mr. Zahid Malik and other organizers for arranging such a gathering to make youth aware of sacrifices rendered during Pakistan movement as well as for completion of Pakistan.

The Acting President distributed gold medals to Dr. Safdar Mehmood, Ghulam Akbar, Bushra Rehman, Roshan Zafar, Dr. Muhammad Naeem Taj, Dr. Ghulam Sarwar, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Dr.  Karamat Khan, Qaria Summaya Hannan,        Ch. Naseer Ahmed, Malala Yousafzai, Amir Davis, Sitara Barooj Akbar, Hina Mufiti and Afshan Afzal. 

 PAKISTAN AND IRAN MUST ENHANCE COOPERATION FOR PEACE, STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THEIR PEOPLE AND THE REGION: BOKHARI

Acting President Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has said that Pakistan-Iran being brotherly and neighbourly countries need to further strengthen their bilateral ties by enhancing cooperation in various fields. Strong relations between both the countries is in their interest as well as vital for peaceful and stable region. He was expressing these views while talking to Iranian Ambassador H.E. Ali Reza who called on him here today.

The Acting President added that Parliamentarians of the two countries can play crucial role for influencing our relation for cementing it further and can lead to strengthening our ties. Bokhari said that Pakistan and Iran have always been supportive of each other in the past and our support and cooperation will continue in future as well.

The Acting President reiterated, “Cooperation between our two countries is on positive trajectory and we must prioritize our economic and trade relations for progress and prosperity of people of two brotherly nations.” We need to take effective steps to attain the target of bilateral trade worth US $ 10 billion. Relaxing visa regime for enhancing people to people contacts including Parliamentarians, businessmen, educationists and students can facilitate in enhancing cooperation in different sectors.

The Acting President also stressed the need for expeditious implementation of our bilateral projects including gas pipeline and electricity projects. He told the Ambassador that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have urged the early completion of these projects for benefit of the two countries. Overcoming the energy crisis is essential for Pakistan’s progress and we are looking forward to Iranian support at this difficult time.

The Acting President said that we should support each other in countering terrorism for attaining regional peace and stability. He said that trilateral summit held recently between heads of state of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan has been a very fruitful initiative and such frequent interactions at every level will generate better understanding for achieving common objectives.

The Acting President reiterated Pakistan’s position vis-à-vis Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. He told that we have consistently supported the right of developing countries including Iran to utilize nuclear energy while adhering to obligations of NPT for their ultimate progress and prosperity.

 Acting President Bokhari also talked about taking effective measures to overcome illegal passage of smuggled goods between the two countries.

 

While responding to the Acting President, Iranian Ambassador agreed that it is high time that both countries should take their bilateral relation to a higher pedestal in order to address common challenges facing them and explore new opportunities of enhancing cooperation in all fields of mutual interest.

He informed the Acting President that Iran has offered assistance to Pakistan for earlier completion of gas pipeline on Pakistan‘s side as the segment of pipeline on Iranian side is reaching completion. He said that Iran as Pakistan‘s friend and neighbour is very much concerned about Pakistan’s current energy crisis and aware of its energy needs. He told the Acting President that Iran has doubled electricity supply to Pakistan from 35 MW to 75 MW. Negotiations are also underway for 1000 MW electricity transmission line from Iran to Pakistan.

Talking about enhancing trade and economic ties the Iranian Ambassador told Nayyar Bokhari that various programs and initiatives are underway and hopefully we will be able to achieve the proposed bilateral trade target. He said Iran is interested in purchasing wheat and other goods from Pakistan.

Iranian Ambassador emphasized that frequent exchange of delegations at Parliamentary, Government and other levels is essential for learning from each other’s experiences. He invited the Acting President to visit Iran and thanked him for warm hospitality.

Earlier, the Ambassador extended heartiest felicitation on election of Nayyar Hussain Bokhari as Senate Chairman.

      

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