http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Pakistan_keen_to_use_Sri_Lanka_as_role_model_20120913_01

Pakistan keen to use Sri Lanka as role model

Pakistan is concentrating as to how the Sri Lankan experience could be obtained to build a vibrant democracy and political stability in Pakistan, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee Vice President and Pakistan National Assembly member Dr Nafisa Shah said yesterday.

Dr Shah, a delegate at the the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, told the media at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall that she discussed the matter with Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody.

She said Pakistan too faces problems among states and the experiences of Sri Lanka could be of more benefit to Pakistan to strengthen democracy in their country.

"We highly appreciate the manner how Sri Lanka defeated terrorism to uplift democracy. We heard President Mahinda Rajapaksa describe at the opening of the CPA conference how the country fought a very difficult war against terrorism," Dr Shah said. She said they genuinely appreciate what he said of the politics of Human Rights. He said some countries should not be allowed to use Human Rights as a "buzz word" to impose an agenda on other countries.

Dr Nafisa said President Mahinda Rajapaksa is extremely charismatic and has done well for Sri Lanka. Post- war development is commendable, she said.

Dr Nafisa said development in the North and East are transparent and the President had invited all to visit the North and East.

She said Sri Lanka attempted various approaches to end the three decade conflict.

"Sri Lanka resumed discussions and attempted to get international mediators and eventually decided to end the issue in their own way and it became fruitful. However, Sri Lanka's administration faced a big challenge of receiving refugees and and also the issue of the IDPs. However, the issues are solved successfully."

She said Commonwealth promotes and strengthens democratic values among Commonwealth countries.

Courtesy :Daily News