ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Tuesday highlighted the role of Pakistani diaspora in building relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, saying both the countries were in agreement to further build on the excellent relationship.

The foreign minister was addressing the Virtual Reception of Conservative Friends of Pakistan as the chief guest, the Foreign Office said.

The Conservative Friends of Pakistan (CFOP), led by Lord Zameer Choudrey, seeks to build a stronger, wider and deeper relationship between the Conservative Party, Pakistan, and the British Pakistani communities in the UK, which hosts more than 1.5 million strong Pakistani diaspora, it added.

In his address, the foreign minister highlighted the role of Pakistani diaspora in building relations between Pakistan and the UK, and appreciated the positive developments in bilateral relations with the UK.

He highlighted the effects of the Covid-19 on global economy, and outlined the actions taken by Government of Pakistan to tackle the contagion specially its “smart lockdown” policy.

The foreign minister highlighted the effects of the coronavirus on developing countries and the prime minister’s call for “Global Initiative on Debt Relief”.

He highlighted the contributions made by British Pakistanis and paid rich tributes to those who lost their lives in the fight against the Covid-19.

While dilating upon the positive developments in Pakistan’s economy, the foreign minister attributed these developments to key strategic thrusts of Pakistan’s economic policy, which include responsible economic governance, attracting foreign investments, improving export market access, leveraging technology, focusing on IT, and promoting tourism.

On the domestic front, he added that things had started improving due to the structural reforms initiated by the incumbent government regardless of the challenge posed by the Covid-19.

“We have recorded current account plus for the first time in many years whilst other economic indicators are also showing improvement. Our domestic tax collection has increased by 30 percent,” he said, adding the remittances for the first time crossed US $20 billion.

“The confidence of investors is improving as a result of our policies,” he added.

Qureshi highlighted gross and systematic violations of human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), India’s illegal measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory, and the threat to peace and security posed by India’s bellicose rhetoric and belligerent actions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020