'Expatriates contributing significantly to economic growth'

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that the overseas Pakistanis are like the ambassadors of country and have made significant contribution towards dispelling the misperception about Pakistan.
The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of British Pakistanis headed by the member of British Parliament Muhammad Sarwar, which called on him here at his Chamber in the Parliament House on Thursday afternoon.
He said the Pakistan diaspora in the UK and other countries exceeding seven million people have contributed significantly to the economic growth by sending remittances as well as by investing in Pakistan. He also said that in order to ensure economic stability, the government is now focusing more on the social sector and would allocate more funds for the improvement in the health, education and social services.
The Prime Minister said that the biggest challenge confronting the new democratic government is the energy and food security and the government has already started working on it on war footing.
He appreciated the multifaceted relationship enjoyed by Pakistan and UK and the role played by British Pakistanis to further expand this relationship. Sarwar expressed confidence that the new democratic government, which had won clear mandate of the people, would come up to the expectations of the people. He also appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the government in promoting socio-economic opportunities in the country.
Sarwar said the Pakistanis living in UK are highly motivated towards the new democratic government and rest high hopes to steer the country in the right direction to resolve the challenges confronting the nation. He also congratulated the Prime Minister on acquiring unanimous vote of confidence from the National Assembly.
The members of the delegation extended their full support for substantiating government efforts in confronting the challenges of food and energy security. They also informed the Prime Minister that the overseas Pakistanis are eager to invest in Pakistan.