ISLAMABAD: In recent times, a wave of positive news regarding Pakistan’s economy and diplomatic efforts has swept through international platforms. From accolades in renowned financial newspapers to surveys indicating increased business confidence, Pakistan is experiencing a promising trajectory. This blog post delves into the detailed transcript of recent developments, highlighting the economic advancements and diplomatic endeavors under the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif’s federal government.
Economic Progress:
The optimism surrounding Pakistan’s economy is palpable, as evidenced by reports from esteemed institutions like Bloomberg and Gallup. Projections indicate a potential decrease in inflation coupled with growth spurts. Notably, Bloomberg’s endorsement of Shahbaz Sharif’s capability in economic negotiations has bolstered confidence both domestically and internationally. The government’s previous efforts in stabilizing the currency and fostering a conducive economic environment have laid a solid foundation for future growth.
Diplomatic Initiatives:
Amidst economic strides, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements have also garnered attention. The unfortunate incident involving Chinese engineers in Dassau prompted swift and resolute action from the government. Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to the Chinese embassy and subsequent meetings underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its friendship with China. Furthermore, stringent measures, including disciplinary actions against responsible officers, signify the government’s dedication to ensuring the security of foreign projects and personnel.
Denouncement of Extrajudicial Killings:
In light of recent revelations by The Guardian regarding extrajudicial killings in India, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a staunch condemnation. The government reiterated its stance on maintaining regional peace while urging the international community to scrutinize India’s actions. Pakistan’s commitment to peace is unwavering, as demonstrated by its proactive engagement with journalistic organizations and assurances of pending dues for media workers.
Future Engagements and Transparency:
Looking ahead, the government is poised to embark on a diplomatic tour to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing transparency by opting for commercial flights and self-funded expenses. This decision reflects a commitment to responsible governance and fiscal prudence. Ministerial delegations, including key figures in treasury, foreign affairs, and economic portfolios, highlight the significance of the visit and the government’s proactive approach to bilateral relations.
Outlook
In conclusion, Pakistan’s recent economic advancements and diplomatic endeavors signify a promising trajectory for the nation. With a focus on stability, security, and international cooperation, the government under Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership is steering the country towards prosperity and peace. As developments unfold, transparency and accountability remain paramount, ensuring that the public remains informed and engaged in the nation’s journey towards progress.
Key Points
- Positive economic news from international sources like Bloomberg, indicating growth in inflation and Pakistan’s economy.
- Gallup survey reveals increased business confidence, attracting foreign direct investment and local businessmen.
- Reports suggest potential decreases in inflation and increases in growth, with positive projections for the federal government.
- Visible increase in business confidence, shown through Gallup’s survey and reports of growth in large-scale manufacturing.
- Acknowledgment of Shahbaz Sharif’s experience in economic negotiations and reforms, contributing to currency and economic stability.
- Currency stability leads to overall economic stability, with positive indicators in the stock exchange.
- Government’s swift and empathetic response to the attack on Chinese engineers in Dassau, demonstrating commitment to China-Pakistan friendship and peace.
- Prime Minister’s unprecedented visit to Dasu, establishment of an inquiry committee, and disciplinary actions against responsible officers to uphold Chinese security and combat terrorism.
- Government’s response to the Guardian’s report on extrajudicial killings in India, emphasizing commitment to regional peace and urging international attention to the issue.
- The decision to self-fund a diplomatic tour to Saudi Arabia on a commercial flight reflects transparency and responsibility.
- Cabinet members self-fund expenses for diplomatic tours, showcasing commitment to responsible spending.
- Emphasis on transparency and commitment to keeping the public informed about developments, including updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Information.
- Conclusion with gratitude expressed by the Minister of Information.
Statement from The Minister of Information on Economy of Pakistan
It is known that positive news has started to come about the economy. There are positive news about the economy from international newspapers and international institutions. And you have seen that Bloomberg, which is a very well-known international financial newspaper, has given a prediction about the increase in inflation and growth in Pakistan.
Similarly, you have seen that Gallup has recently released a survey and it has talked about an increase in business confidence. It has talked about an increase in business confidence. And the investors, especially foreign direct investment, and domestic businessmen, who are looking for local investment, are seeing a particularly positive progress.
Every day there is a report in which there are indications that there will be a decrease in inflation in the coming months and years in Pakistan and there will be an increase in growth as well. So whether it is Bloomberg, Gallup’s survey, United Nations reports, all the well-known international institutions and newspapers are giving good and positive news about Shahbaz Sharif’s federal government. And they have also made projections about what improvements will come in the coming months and years.
And as soon as he came to our government, you saw that the way the business confidence has increased, Gallup’s survey talks about it in detail. And not only does it talk about it, but if you see, yesterday there was another news report that the large- scale manufacturing, the large industries, the growth in those industries has increased the most in the last 21 months. Whether it is the economy or the industries, we are getting positive signals and positive news from all sides.
And as soon as Shahbaz Sharif came, you know that Bloomberg had made it very clear that Shahbaz Sharif has experience in negotiations with financial institutions and he has the ability to make economic reforms. So this has had a very positive effect. And along with this, I also understand that in the last government of 16 months, which saved the country from default, and as a result, you saw that the currency was stable, and it remained stable even in the interim period.
As the currency became stable, the economy became stable. If you look at the stock exchange, there are also very positive news about the stock exchange. A new record is being set every day.
So this level of business confidence is another proof of the increase. So, God willing, all the good steps are being taken regarding the economy and it has now started to reach the international level. Along with this, I understand that the enemies of Pakistan, who want to harm the peace of Pakistan, who do not want the development of Pakistan and the prosperous economy of Pakistan to be destroyed, are working on their agenda.
First of all, when the Chinese engineers were attacked in Dassau, and the Prime Minister himself went there, he also met the Chinese engineers, and after meeting them, he expressed his regret and condolences. The Chinese engineers who died there, when their bodies were sent to China, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Mr. Salik Hussain, went with them, and expressed his condolences to the Chinese government. You know how our government has always given importance to the friendship between China and Pakistan.
And as soon as this incident was found out, you know that Mr. Shahbaz Sharif immediately went to the Chinese embassy, and met the Chinese ambassador. After that, the visit to Dassau, I think that for the first time in history, a Prime Minister has gone to that site, only for the sake of friendship between China and Pakistan, and to convey the message that we give a lot of importance to the friendship between China and Pakistan, and at the same time, to encourage the Chinese engineers, this was a step of the Prime Minister, which I think was a historic step, and at the same time, I would like to give a few things in your notice, that the Prime Minister has held many meetings on this, on Chinese security, and he had made an inquiry committee, to do an inquiry on the Dassau incident, because the most important thing is that this is our Chinese security, and our morale is high, we are determined, and we will not let anyone ruin peace. Our armed forces, law enforcement agencies, all of them are working on the end of terrorism, and with full dedication, with full dedication, they are playing their role in removing this Dassau from its roots.
When the inquiry committee sent the report, in that, the Prime Minister, against a few officers, has given the order to carry out an investigation, and I will share it with you, in that, the RPO Hazara division, in that, DPO Upper Kohistan District, DPO Lower Kohistan District, Director Security Dassau Hydropower Project, and Commandant Special Security Unit KPK, against them, within 15 days, disciplinary action, and against them, the inquiry report that has been sent, against them, the investigation that has been sent, and it has been said that, in their duty, they should have been alert, so the Prime Minister, against these officers, has given the order to carry out an investigation, and this is an example, that in the future, matters related to Chinese security, will be taken more seriously, and in that, no kind of meddling will be tolerated. The Prime Minister himself, is overseeing, the security of Chinese projects, the security of Chinese residents, and a very effective system, is being laid out in this regard. So, this attempt to destroy peace, the government is fully focused on this, and we will, not tolerate, any kind of negligence on this, and all the relevant institutions, are fully, ready to, counter this, and completely, counter this, and this, in this war, the people who have lost their lives, should also be rewarded.
The next topic is, in your notice, the story of the Guardian, that from India, in different countries, the series of extrajudicial killings, has been highlighted, so today, the Foreign Ministry has also, issued a statement, in which they have, rejected the statement, of the Indian Defence Minister, and also condemned it, that even in January, the series of killings, by India, that has started, in that regard, Pakistan had given evidence, the international community, should also take notice of this, and in this, I understand that, to defend our peace, we are fully, and know how to defend, but we want, there to be peace in the region, and in the region, the desire for peace, should not be considered a weakness, because even in February 2019, when, ships had come, from all over the world, to India, there was a lot of response, so I think that, this series should stop, and the story of the Guardian, is very disturbing, in which, revelations have been made, and the Foreign Office, has also spoken about this, and a statement has been issued, and the evidence has also, been brought to the Ministers, so, the Foreign Office, has denied, the statement of the Indian Defence Minister, and we think that, we will not allow, any harm to our peace, and in this regard, we, ask the international community, to take notice of this, and Pakistan, is eager for peace, that there should be peace in the region, and I, visited, Karachi yesterday, and met with, journalistic organisations, PBS, APNS, CPNE, and, the media industry, which is facing problems, has also been brought under, consideration, and in this regard, I would like to inform you, that the media workers, and journalists, have also been, and, it has been said, that before Eid, the duties of media workers, and reporters will be fulfilled, because the government, will complete the pending dues, on the special instructions, of the Prime Minister. In the next two days, we will try to, get all the approvals, of the Cabinet, and ECC, completed. After some time, along with the Prime Minister, we will go on a tour of Saudi Arabia, and, along with the Cabinet members, along with the Prime Minister, this delegation, will go on a commercial flight, and, along with the commercial flight, all the delegation members, will pay, all the expenses, from their own pockets.
And, on the government of Pakistan. So, the ministers who are going with us, Aurangzeb, who is the Minister of Treasury, Ishaq Dar, who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aha Cheema, who is the Minister of Economic Affairs, in which I am also a Minister of Information. So, the members of the Cabinet who are going with us, and this is a good decision of the government, that, we should travel on this, we should go on a commercial flight, and all the expenses, that will be incurred on this, have been paid from their own pockets.
And in this regard, I have already given a statement yesterday, so, before the departure, I wanted to talk to you about this as well. Because, rumours and gossips start, and a series of fake news and propaganda starts, so, it should stop. And, whatever happens, it should happen openly, and in this regard, I also want to say that, InshaAllah, good and positive news will come, on this, and on this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement, so, along with the payment of Umrah, important meetings are also expected, from which I will, as the Minister of Information, while fulfilling my responsibilities, InshaAllah.
