Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing time to discuss the important unfolding political crisis in Pakistan. Pakistan and Ireland are connected through bonds of history. Both countries once formed part of the British Empire, both were born out of partition, both made a rapid transition from dominion status to a republic, both have struggled to escape from the uncomfortable embrace of a larger neighbour and both share a common language, English, while preserving languages of their own.

However, the similarities stop there. Ireland has embarked on the path of democracy, economic progress and peaceful relations with our neighbours. Pakistan has not been so fortunate, its democracy and economy have been held back by military coup and military rule. Given our shared history, Ireland should not be silent about the events that are taking place in Pakistan. We must be forthright in our opposition to President Musharraf's declaration of martial law and the crackdown on the free press and we must demand a rapid return to civilian rule, free elections and a return to democracy. I call on the Minister of State to encourage the Minister for Foreign Affairs to use his bilateral contacts and multilateral contact through the European Union to ensure that maximum political and economic pressure is put on the Musharraf regime.

The future of the world may well be linked to the future of Pakistan rather than Iran, Israel or Afghanistan. Pakistan is probably the most dangerous country in the world. It is a large country of 150 million people, most of whom are Muslim. It is located at the geopolitical fault line of India, China and the Muslim world. It is a nuclear power, a military power and its tribal areas are a haven for terrorists including al-Qaeda and perhaps even Osama bin Laden. Democracy is the right course for Pakistan's people. It will bring about a more secure world and will set a good example for other Muslim countries struggling with modernity.

Moreover, the suppression of democracy, the press and civil society will have the inevitable effect of making radical Islam the only viable opposition to the current regime and the only political outlet for younger people. We have allowed this to happen in the past in Iran by supporting the Shah against Mosaddeq and also in Egypt. This cannot be allowed to happen again.

I call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to make our support for democracy clearly known to the Pakistani ambassador and use our multilateral contact through the General Affairs and External Relations Council to ensure that maximum political and economic pressure is put on the Musharraf regime without delay.

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