Pakistan gained matchless successes in war against terrorism: FM Qureshi

LONDON (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan had gained matchless successes in the war against terrorism. Addressing a meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers in London on Wednesday, he said that Pakistan had devised a 20-point national strategy to eliminate extremism. The minister said that Pakistan had taken effective steps to control money laundering and financial assistance “We also want cooperation from the international community in this regard,” he added. FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the government had merged FATA areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Tribal areas have been given representation in the provincial assembly first time and elections for additional 16 seats will be held on July 20,” he said. He declared that an amount of Rs152 billion had been allocated for social and economic development in tribal districts. “A surveillance system has been introduced to check spread hatred on the print, electronic and social media,” he added. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan was focusing its attention on regional peace and stability. “Pakistan has been hosting millions of Afghan refugees over the last many decades.” He said that the Pakistani government was pursuing pro-investment and pro-business policies. “Pakistan is an emerging market with a population of about two hundred million people,” he added. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor project provides a platform for sustainable development. “Pakistan will welcome Commonwealth's partnership in the special economic zones to be established under the mega corridor project.” The minister said that Pakistan was determined to achieve sustainable development goals. “We have started Ehsaas Program to protect the vulnerable segments of the society. The country has also started Sehat Sahulat programme to provide health cover to the deprived segments of the society,” he added. He further said that Pakistan is fully cognizant of the challenge posed by Climate Change and has set the target of planting 10 billion trees in five years. He also briefed the Commonwealth meeting about the steps taken by Pakistan for protection of rights of women and minorities.