RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said on Tuesday that the United States has thanked Pakistan for facilitating peace talks with Afghan Taliban. “Pakistan’s relations with the United States are improving. Pakistan’s global image is improving,” the minister said while speaking at a function of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Taliban have been holding talks with the US in the United Arab Emirates wherein representatives of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have also participated. The minister said that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have helped Pakistan in addressing the economic crisis, adding that Saudi plans to install oil refinery in Pakistan, and the UAE has also expressed interest to invest in Pakistan. Pakistan’s image in the world has improved as a result of the government’s steps in foreign policy and economic sector, he said, adding that British Airways is going to resume its operation in Pakistan. He said the opening of Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims will also bring economic benefits.

Positive trend has been witnessed in filing of tax returns as 1.5 million people have filed tax returns this year, he said, adding that measures are being taken to increase exports and encourage foreign investment and small and medium enterprises.

The minister said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was early focused on infrastructure, but now it is being expanded with the inclusion of agriculture and other sectors in it.

He said the government has initiated steps against corruption and money laundering, adding that the government will recover the looted wealth from former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

Chaudhry claimed that the politics of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari has come to an end. “We have attained our political destination and now we are going for our desired financial destination,” he said.