A1Kaid
PDF THINK TANK: ANALYST
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2008
- Messages
- 9,667
- Reaction score
- 8
- Country
- Location
Apr 30 2015
In conversation with Norway’s ambassador Leif H. Larsen.
Leif H. Larsen, Norway’s ambassador to Pakistan, opened Lahore’s first Royal Norwegian Consulate, headed by Naveen Fareed, on April 23. We caught up with the envoy and discussed bilateral relations, common security interests, and more. Excerpts:
What would you describe as the biggest strength of the relationship between Pakistan and Norway?
One of the biggest strengths of our relationship is the large population of Pakistanis in Norway. There are around 35,000 Pakistani-Norwegians, a figure which is quite significant in a total national population of 5 million. They now include second and third generation Norwegians who are in many ways more Norwegian than Pakistani. A lot of them are originally from the Punjab; this means there are special links between Norway and Punjab. Many of these Pakistani-Norwegians hold influential positions in the private and public sectors. One example is parliamentarian Hadia Tajik. She is of Pakistani origin, is a former minister of culture, and was recently elected deputy leader of the Labour Party. It is not inconceivable that she, a Muslim woman of Pakistani origin, may become prime minister some day. [Pakistani-Norwegians] have been able to prosper. One reason for this may be Norway’s egalitarian system, including in education, which has made it easier for them to assimilate regardless of religion, ethnicity or race. This underscores the importance of quality education for all, including for women and girls. Of course, the picture isn’t all rosy. There have been problems with Pakistani-Norwegians turning to crime and then running off to Pakistan. This makes it important for us to increase police and justice cooperation between both countries. It is also a fact that some third generation Norwegians of Pakistani origin feel they are neither completely Norwegian nor entirely Pakistani. Some of them have turned to extremism, including providing support to the Islamic State militant group. There are also domestic problems such as forced marriages, with some Pakistani parents getting their daughters married off in Pakistan against their wishes.
What other common interests can both sides work on further?
Security and combating terrorism; a secure and stable Pakistan is a major common interest. Norway has been committed to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and will continue to help in the peace building process, of which Pakistan is a part. Pakistan is doing an excellent job with its operation against extremism, and we hope to see it completed. We also hope that it is followed up with a long-term comprehensive plan that includes reconstruction, jobs, and a political process of reconciliation. Our experience from Afghanistan is that in order to succeed you must give people the hope of a better future for themselves and their families. That is the best way of ensuring that they turn away from extremism.
....
What other common interests can both sides work on further?
Security and combating terrorism; a secure and stable Pakistan is a major common interest. Norway has been committed to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and will continue to help in the peace building process, of which Pakistan is a part. Pakistan is doing an excellent job with its operation against extremism, and we hope to see it completed. We also hope that it is followed up with a long-term comprehensive plan that includes reconstruction, jobs, and a political process of reconciliation. Our experience from Afghanistan is that in order to succeed you must give people the hope of a better future for themselves and their families. That is the best way of ensuring that they turn away from extremism.
Excerpt: ‘Pakistan Is Doing an Excellent Job against Extremism’ ‹ Newsweek Pakistan
