Pakistan has suffered economic losses of around $107 billion in war against terrorism. Pakistan's exports have registered a sharp decline since the last financial year as they have plummeted from historic $25.11 billion to $23.88 billion in fiscal year 2014-15. Pakistan has spent over Rs 638 million on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's 65 foreign visits from 2013 to 2016 while 631 officials also accompanied him during the trips.
In a written reply to a question during the Question Hour in the National Assembly, Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz informed the members that the prime minister made 65 foreign visits from 2013-16 along with 631 government officials which have cost the national exchequer over Rs 638 million. He also informed the house that expenditure details of the prime minister's four foreign trips are yet to be received from the relevant foreign missions and local agencies.
To another question, he informed the house that Pakistan has suffered economic losses to the tune of $107 billion in war against terrorism. Pakistan also draws attention of the international community to the brutal acts of terrorism being faced by Pakistanis. The inhuman and despicable act of terrorism perpetrated against innocent school children in Peshawar on 16 December 2014 was a stark reminder of the enormity of the suffering of the people of Pakistan from the terrorism over the years, he said.
The advisor said that this was acknowledged by many leaders including President Obama. The world is reminded of the thousands of Pakistani lives lost by terrorism and in fighting against the terrorism. The estimated losses to Pakistan's economy are around $107 billion (Rs 8,702.75 billion).
To another question on Pakistan's membership of 34-state Islamic military coalition, the advisor said Pakistan is still waiting for further details and technical consultations regarding 34-state Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism. He said the coalition will seek participation in different areas to co-ordinate military efforts in the fight against terrorism. He said a meeting of foreign ministers or defence ministers is expected soon for further clarification on the issue.
He said Pakistan along with some other countries is participating in military exercise in Saudi Arabia which is part of the military cooperation with the kingdom. Answering another question, the advisor said the short visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lahore on 25th December last year provided an impetus to the ongoing efforts towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries.
Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir informed the house that Pakistan's exports mainly based on cotton, leather and Basmati rice and their prices have declined dramatically in the international market. The exports have registered a sharp decline since the last financial year as they have plummeted from historic $25.11 billion to $23.88 billion in fiscal year 2014-15, he said.
He pointed out that serious devaluation of currency by various countries particularly China is another reason for a decline in the country's exports. The minister said recent announcement by the prime minister for a reduction in electricity tariff for industry will also benefit exporters. He informed the house that exports of Gypsum and Cement to India have increased.