A visiting Pakistani senator has lauded Qatar’s vision and specific role in today’s world, especially in the Afghan peace process.Former Pakistani minister and secretary general of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Mushahid Hussain Syed, expressed his appreciation for the vision of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani for education and industrial development. Syed said he was happy to see the tremendous all-round progress the country has witnessed. “In the new global set-up Qatar, Turkey and Malaysia have a leading role to play and they give a ray of hope for the developing countries.” Syed was speaking at a dinner reception organised in his honour at the Pakistani embassy. A large number of community members attended the function. Pakistan Ambassador Mohamed Sarfaraz Khanzada introduced the visitor. Talking about the present political situation in Pakistan, Syed appreciated the media’s role in creating awareness among the masses.“We have one of the freest and independent media among the Muslim countries, having more than 50 TV channels and 104 FM radio stations covering current affairs and entertainment in various languages. We have an independent judiciary and the world has witnessed it.” He highlighted the prominent role of an active civil society in bringing a new political culture to Pakistan.On international issues, Syed pointed out that after the Iraq war, American supremacy had diminished. Speaking on the present simmering tensions in Pak-America relations, Syed said Pakistan’s solidarity and sovereignty were the top priority and these could not be compromised at any cost. He thanked Khanzada for providing him an opportunity to meet and listen to the views of the community members in Qatar on a wide-ranging issues. Syed appreciated the role of the Pakistani community in the development of Pakistan and Qatar. -
AM