ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Monday while expressing Pakistan’s deep concern and anguish over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressed that international community had an obligation to help resolve the situation and facilitate a just solution of the Palestine issue.
He was talking to European Union Ambassador Androulla Kaminara during a meeting, a press release said.
The information minister said that Pakistan had declared Friday as a day for expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine who were suffering from continuous violence at the hands of Israeli forces.
The EU ambassador informed that vice president Borell had called a meeting of foreign ministers of the EU member states on May 18 to discuss the situation. The meeting was convened to coordinate and discuss how the EU could best contribute to end the current violence, she added.
Both sides also exchanged views on the Covid -19 pandemic situation in the country.
The minister said that Pakistan government was undertaking all possible steps to contain the pandemic through timely decisions and effective preventive measures.
He said the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) was spearheading the drive against the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said when Covid-19 surfaced in Pakistan early last year, the country was not producing any protective gear against the viral pandemic, but, within a period of four to six months, it not only started manufacturing protective masks, kits and quality ventilators but also exported them.
Androulla Kaminara appreciated the steps taken by the government of Pakistan to protect its people from the pandemic.
She also appreciated the rise in Pakistan’s exports despite pandemic.
The information minister also apprised the ambassador about the approval of two long awaited bills for protection of journalists and media professionals and the forced disappearance (Criminal Law Amendment Bill).
He reiterated government’s resolve to continue to facilitate the growth of free and responsible media in Pakistan.
He said that media enjoyed unprecedented independence in Pakistan as government firmly believed in fundamental, democratic and constitutional right of freedom of expression.
Talking about peace and development in the region, Fawad Chaudhry said Pakistan desired good relations with all its neighbours and willing to reciprocate any peace overture.
“One cannot move ahead if the other side is not ready to act responsibly”, he said, adding, they could not move forward by ignoring the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The EU ambassador also showed keen interest in Pakistan’s initiatives including climate change, Ten Billion Tree Tsunami and the drive for Clean and Green Pakistan.
The minister also welcomed EU’s interest in these initiatives.
