Minorities enjoying due rights, says Amar
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—The Minorities were enjoying due rights in our country and the government was striving to provide them more opportunities in all spheres of life. This was stated by Amar Lal, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister after his successful visit to USA.
During his visit, he attended Sindhi Hindu Sammelan and Human Rights Conferences in Washington and met with the World Religious Commission and Minorities leaders as well as to hold bilateral talks with important US officials dealing with security, minorities, human rights, and US investment in Pakistan, said a release issued here today. Amar Lal said that he made it clear to the US authorities that minorities in Pakistan were enjoying equal and due rights.
The discussions, he said were focused on future economic cooperation between the two countries, the status of minorities and initiatives taken by Government of Pakistan with regard to welfare of Minorities, security concerns of Pakistan and its perspective on war on terrorism. The meetings also discussed on how to increase the access of Pakistani goods in US and European markets and how to increase the quantum of trade within the SAARC region.
The meeting were held in a very cordial and friendly environment, in which the American authorities were very receptive to the Government of Pakistan’s perspective and appreciated the efforts made by the Pakistan.
The Special Assistant also apprised the American Government of exploring further avenues so that bond of friendship between two countries could be strengthened. American officials assured their cooperation for economic development in Pakistan, support to minorities groups and respecting the will of the people.
The Special Assistant impressed upon the Americans that the cooperation of the American Government should be visible, so that it could he acknowledged by the common people. In this regard he emphasized US investment and cooperation in health, education, labour, social welfare, and its technical assistantance for independent judiciary and efficient policing system.
During the visit Special Assistant met with Lawrence K. Robinson, President. Asia Policy Research Associates and Incharge World Security, Donald A- Camp, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. Sameer V, Sbeth. Political and Military Officer for Pakistan, Bureau of South & Central Asian Affairs, Johao R. Sghmidt, Senior Analyst for Europe.