By Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal has said Pakistan greatly values its relations with the Holy See since the establishment of its diplomatic relations.

Pakistan fully supports the vision of the Pope on the necessity of the interfaith dialogue including those dialogues between Islam and Christianity to pave trust between the two religions.

She expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of a reception hosted by Charge d Affaires of Embassy of Holy See Joseph Maramreddy in honour of His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts.

The Federal Minister further said we share the views of the Pope vis a vis economic empowerment of the poor people; human trafficking of the migrants etc. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees fundamental rights of all citizens irrespective of religion, cast color and race.

Minorities too enjoy equal rights in Pakistan. Special seats are reserved for minorities in the parliament of Pakistan.
The impact of terrorism is taking heavy toll in Pakistan. Like any other country of the world, there is a small fringe of extremist elements that seek to incite violence, which is not part of any religion but unfortunately this is reality.

Zubaida Jalal said the government and people of Pakistan are determined to fight menace of terrorism. In this respect various operations were launched, and most of them have successfully been completed.

She also talked about the National Action Plan and assured once implemented the Plan would help eliminate curse of terrorism and extremism.

Minister Zubaida Jalal congratulated the Holy See embassy for holding such an impressive event. She also congratulated Cardinal Joseph Coutts on assuming charge of his new office.

Earlier, Cardinal Joseph Coutts in his remarks thanked the audience for attending the function and assured that he would his best to achieve interfaith harmony.
He said that his becoming a Cardinal was an honour for Pakistan also he would continue to serve people of Pakistan. He wished Pakistan peace and prosperity.=DNA