Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar was called on by Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon here on Thursday and discussed with him issues of bilateral interests.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the long term benefits of partnership and cooperation between Canada and Pakistan in terms of mining projects in Balochistan, the spokesman of ministry said.
The Canadian High Commissioner appreciated the Balochistan government for aiding, facilitating and cooperating in the mining projects with Barrick Gold Corporation. She said that steps towards the development of the region through renewable energy projects were also commendable.
While discussing civilian trials under the Army Act, the law minister explained that the Act and rules made thereunder were guaranteeing the rights of the accused such as engaging a counsel of his choice to engage, the right to have access to family members or friends and right to file an appeal etc. Individuals have also the right to move constitutional courts against the judgments of the military court, he added.
He also expressed his deep concern about the growing Islamophobia in the world in particular quoting the recent incident of desecretion of Holy Quran in Sweden and said that this was an evident example of Islamophobia prevailing in the West.