LAHORE: Extension in the GSP Plus status was a challenge for Pakistan but it would succeed in its mission, a government official said.

Talking to overseas Pakistanis and media representatives on his arrival in Brussels during his visit to Europe, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said: “All minorities are safe in Pakistan and human rights are also being ensured across the country,” a Governor House spokesman said.

Pakistan is a peaceful country and the security forces and the people, including the armed forces of Pakistan, were united to stamp out terrorists and their facilitators.”

The governor also inaugurated the PTI’s first Secretariat in Brussels. EU-Pakistan Friendship Chairman Pervaiz Iqbal Losar, PTI Belgium Coordinator Ghulam Rabbani and others were present on the occasion.

During his visit, the Punjab governor would also meet members of the European Parliament and representatives of various organisations and would highlight Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan’s peace process and protection of human rights.

Sarwar said that the anti-Pakistan forces, including India has been obstructing the extension in GSP Plus status to Pakistan in the past, but “we are united as a team to thwart India’s nefarious designs and Pakistan not only achieved GSP Plus status, but also succeeded in extending it and would managed to get further extension”.

The issue of extension in GSP Plus status was a challenge that had necessitated his special visit to Europe, he said, adding that he along with the cice president of the European Parliament would have a special meeting with Dr Fabio at the European Parliament on Wednesday, adding that his meetings with the members of the European Parliament were also scheduled.

The Punjab governor said as far as the issues of minorities in Pakistan were concerned, the whole world knows that minorities were secure in Pakistan unlike in India.

There was no better example in the world of religious freedom for minorities than Pakistan. But it was a fact that until the Kashmir issue was resolved, complete peace in the region would not be possible, he added.

Sarwar said that the government of Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken historic steps to resolve the problems of overseas Pakistanis and it was also ensuring the provision of security and other facilities to the overseas Pakistanis.