ISLAMABAD: Ministerial delegation of Somalia headed by Minister for Interior Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Ahmed Moalim Fiqi Ahmed called on Advisor to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira here.

Meeting discussed issues of mutual interest with particular reference to issues pertaining to governance system and federalism. Delegation is on seven days study tour of Pakistan. Purpose of visit is to learn from Pakistan’s experience regarding 18th amendment, National Finance Commission, Council of Common Interests and process of consensus building and reconciliation involved in this respect. Highlighting importance of National Finance Commission, Council of Common Interests and 18th amendment, Advisor said that above constitutional setups have proved very fruitful in strengthening Federation of Pakistan. He briefed delegation regarding due process of reconciliation and consensus building involved in this process. He said fair distribution of power between centre and federating units was backbone of strong Federation. Feeling of inclusiveness is key to build state on strong footings which ultimately leads to prosperity of country, he added.

Advisor also highlighted delegation of powers to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan territories in recent years. Kaira said that due to 18th amendment maximum powers have been delegated to provinces. He stressed need of inclusiveness of all communities, tribes and clans in federation which is only possible through process of devolution and fair distribution of power among federating units. He highlighted long-standing issue of Jammu and Kashmir and said that support of Somalia was very crucial in this regard.

He said Pakistan highly values support of Somalia on this core issue as it is key member of OIC, Arab League and African Union. He underlined importance of recent visit of OIC Secretary General and said that support of OIC on Kashmir issue is great source of strength and hope for Pakistan and Kashmiris

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 23 2022

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