A delegation comprised of senators from French
Government called on Interior Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal today in
Islamabad. In the meeting, matters pertaining to mutual cooperation in
economy and security came under discussion.
Fusion
of Chinese one belt, one road and Pakistan Vision 2025 has been realized in the
form of CPEC which will bring prosperity and progress in Pakistan and the
region, Interior Minister said. He added that developing Pakistan as a hub of
the regional connectivity is major pillar of Pakistan’s vision 2025.
Interior
Minister stated that owing to the Geographic and Strategic location of Pakistan
and economic turnaround, Pakistan has assumed greater importance in the
international economic arena. He emphasized that new connectivity develops new
markets, which creates new demand resulting in new growth. In CPEC we have
developed a portfolio of about $50 Billion;
the bulk of the investment is going in energy sector; Minister told the
delegation.
Interior
Minister also said that the country was suffering from 18-20 hours of load
shedding on daily basis when the incumbent government came into power in 2013.
He added that today, power shortages have been reduced in many areas to zero
hours and in some area to 2-4 hours . 10,000 MW of electricity have been
added in the last four years which is a great achievement of the current
government. He also stated that the half of investment in the energy sector is catered
from CPEC and the rest has come from government resources. Interior Minister
said that CPEC entails good return for the Chinese investors and gives Pakistan
much needed foreign investment.
He
also highlighted that regional economies will greatly benefit from development
of Gawadar Port as modern smart port city. Interior Minister also asserted that
the 207 million population of Pakistan consists of 80 million middle class and
youth constitutes two third of the total population. The rising middle class in
the country is attractive for investors as it provides them a good market. He
added that development of Modern infrastructure; economic growth, strategic
location and well trained human resource are attracting investors from Europe
and America.
Interior
Minister said that the vision 2025 is premised on making Pakistan top 25
economy by the year 2025. Interior Minister also hoped that Air France
should resume it flights in Pakistan. Talking on the Pakistan’s sacrifices
in war against terror, interior Minister said that international community
should acclaim the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan and its citizens. We have
suffered 60,000 lives of our people in the war against terror. No other country
has suffered more than Pakistan in this war; Interior Minister said. He also
added that there is an dramatic decrease of 90% in the terrorism incidents in
the country. He also said that the most of the recent terrorists attacks were
planned and executed across the western border. We are a peace loving country
and strong proponent of peace in south Asia.
We
are pursuing an economic agenda to provide bright future to our next
generations. French delegation commended the Interior Minister for his
endeavors as a visionary leader and his role in the development of economy in
Pakistan. The delegation also expressed their interest that France should
participate in CPEC Projects and reap dividends from its benefits. They also
acknowledged the role of Pakistan in its fight against terror and its
efforts in restoring peace and stability in the region.
*****
