Prime Minister Imran Khan has re-affirmed Pakistan's commitment to continue its positive role in seeking a political settlement in Afghanistan to bring peace and stability to the region.
Speaking during the Cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan has always been playing an active role to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and it is a matter of great satisfaction that the world powers particularly the United States has recognized Islamabad's contribution to this effect.
The Prime Minister said US special envoy on Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad during his recent visit to Islamabad had very productive meetings with him and the foreign Minister on the subject.
He said the United States has sought Pakistan's support in advancing the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Imran Khan said it is the vindication of his view point about seeking a political settlement in Afghanistan through dialogue with all the stakeholders including Taliban.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan is also in-touch with the Saudi and Iranian leadership to bring peace to strife hit Yemen by bringing all the parties concerned to the negotiating table.
He said during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, he discussed the Yemen issue with the Saudi leadership and received a very positive response from them. He said Iranian Foreign Minister Jawwad Zarif also paid a visit to Islamabad and discussed the modalities for Yemen peace process.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan will continue to play a mediatory role for peace in Yemen to ultimately bring a lasting peace and stability to the region.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said we have also taken a land mark initiative to inaugurate the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims to visit their sacred religious places in Pakistan. He said the step has been taken with full sincerity to promote religious tourism in the country. He said, it is PTI's manifesto to facilitate followers of all religions including Sikhism, Hinduism and Bhudism to visit their religious places in Pakistan.
Imran Khan said no one should indulge in politics on such purely religious and public interest issues for seeking any political mileage. He regretted that Indian government is trying to politicize the Kartarpur initiative whereas the Sikh community all around the world has warmly welcomed Pakistan's move.
Turning towards domestic issues, the Prime Minister lauded the performance of his economic team to steer the country out of severe economic crisis. He said all the economic indicators are showing positive trend as Pakistan has now entered the phase of an emerging economy.
He said recently the executives of a number of top multinational companies have visited Pakistan and shown keen interest to invest in the country in different sectors.
The Prime Minister said we are also inviting renowned international companies to explore minerals particularly oil & gas in off-shore areas. Similarly top car manufacturing companies will also open their manufacturing units in Pakistan bringing more valuable investment to the country.
