Senator Ataullahjan's Productive Visit to Pakistan
The Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Canada?s first Senator of Pakistani and Pashtun descent, concluded a week-long visit to Pakistan.
“It was such an honour to come back to Pakistan as a Canadian Senator. I am so proud that Canada is willing to lend a helping hand to our friends in their times of need,” Senator Ataullahjan said while recalling her visit to the relief camps, in which thousands of Pakistanis currently reside due to the detrimental effects of the floods. The Senator met with Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmoud Qureshi. They commended Canadians and the Canadian Government for its generous contribution of $98.8 million for aid relief.
The controversial conviction of Asia Bibi deeply concerned Canadians, as the 45-year-old mother of five was sentenced to death for blasphemy by a local court in Pakistan. While meeting with Pakistan’s dignitaries, Senator Ataullahjan emphasized Canada’s concern with this unjust conviction. The Senator requested Pakistan’s officials to repeal laws that criminalize blasphemy as these laws restrict freedom of religion and expression. “Officials in Pakistan have indicated to me that there is serious consideration to repeal their laws relating to blasphemy due to an outcry from the international community,” said Senator Ataullahjan.
The Government of Canada is committed to work with its foreign partners to achieve international cooperation. “My visit to Pakistan is an example of the Canadian government’s desire to excel on the world stage,” said Senator Ataullahjan.
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