ISLAMABAD  - President Mamnoon Hussain has said that the government is taking  effective measures to curb terrorism, violation of human rights, discrimination against minorities and gender inequality in the country.
He said this while talking to a German Parliamentary Delegation who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.  The delegation was headed by Dagmar G. Wohrl, MP and Chairwoman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development. Drawing the attention of the delegation toward travel restrictions imposed on Pakistan in the wake of polio cases, the President said that Pakistan is not responsible for the situation but the elements which caused the spread of terrorism in the region.
He emphasised that Pakistan is committed to the eradication of polio virus. He called upon the international community to be considerate toward Pakistan in this regard so that the latter is able to work for the elimination of polio virus without facing problems.
The President stated that Pakistan desires friendly relations not only with its neighbours but with the entire world. He said that Pakistan believes in resolution of outstanding issues through dialogue, adding, that talks with India and Afghanistan in this regard were underway.
He said that peace will be strengthened in the region if India agrees to resolution of Kashmir issue through right of self-determination in the light of UN resolutions.
The President expressed the hope that the visit of German Parliamentary delegation would not only further strengthen contacts between the Parliaments of the two countries but also provide impetus to bilateral economic relations.  He stated that Pakistan is very sensitive to the issue of environmental change and a full-fledged Ministry was working with dedication in this regard. The delegation praised Pakistan for according hospitality and excellent care to Afghan refugees in the country over a long period. The head of the delegation Dagmar G. Wohrl said that provision of equal rights to linguistic, racial and religious minorities in Pakistan was an example for the world.
Meanwhile, German Parliamentary delegation headed by Dagmer G. Wohrl, also called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters on Tuesday. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest were discussed. The delegation appreciated the successes of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and sacrifices of Pakistan Army for stability in the region.
Dr Cyrill Nunn, German Ambassador to Pakistan was also present during the meeting.