950812

Child, bonded labour

Pak withdrawal

from Lausanne

Fair resented

BERNE: Pakistan's ambassador to Switzerland Zia Ispahani has expressed his dismay on the "rough deal meted out by Comptoir Suisse authorities by withdrawing its invitation of the guest of honour country and Pakistan's participation from the Lausanne Fair from September 13 to 24 in view of growing media pressure on the issue of child and bonded labour in Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday he recalled that Pakistan had participated twice as guest of honour country in Lausanne Fair with no pressure or criticism from any quarters.

He said that Pakistan was extended the invitation on October 24, 1994 and it was on July 2, 1995 that Comptoir Suisse sent a fax informing that Pakistan's participation is being reconsidered because of the growing media pressure.

He said that Hoefliger President of Comptoir Suisse met him on July 5 and he offered him full cooperation to remove any misunderstanding on the issue of child and bonded labour.

"However, my offer was not given any consideration and a decision against Pakistan's participation in the Lausanne Fair was announced by Comptoir Suisse", he added.

He invited the journalists to visit Pakistan for a better understanding of the conditions prevailing in the country, and see for themselves genuine efforts of the government to tackle the problem of child and bonded labour.