Jeddah : Pakistan is no longer the Pakistan of the past; the national economy has seen significant improvement, and foreign exchange reserves have reached approximately $20 billion. These remarks were made by the Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, while addressing a dinner hosted by Masood Ahmed Puri, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee. Leaders from the Pakistan Investors Forum, the Kashmir Committee, the Pakistan National Solidarity Forum, and other political and social organizations attended the event. In his address, the Federal Minister stated that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is taking measures to ensure economic stability, promote investment, and foster national development. Paying tribute to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, he noted that the mutual cooperation between political and military leadership, combined with national unity during challenging times, played a pivotal role in the country’s defense and stability.
Referring to the tensions with India that arose in May, he highlighted that Pakistan’s armed forces delivered an effective and timely response to defend the nation. He remarked that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army demonstrated exceptional professional competence, while the government adopted a clear policy regarding national interest and defense. He added that, building upon this phase, the same spirit of national resolve must now be applied to the economic sphere to further strengthen Pakistan’s economy. Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh noted that while India’s defense budget is manifold larger than Pakistan’s, Pakistan effectively demonstrated its defense capabilities despite limited resources. He stated that there is now a need to further enhance the country’s capabilities in the sectors of economy, industry, exports, and investment,
alongside defense. He noted that the government is placing special emphasis on national economic growth and the promotion of investment. Overseas Pakistanis and other investors should avail themselves of the investment opportunities available in Pakistan; the government will provide all possible facilities and support to investors. Citing China’s economic progress, the Federal Minister remarked that Pakistan, too, must benefit from China’s experiences and focus specifically on industrial development, increasing exports, and boosting the productive sector. He emphasized that increasing investment and improving productive capacity are essential for economic stability. Addressing the gathering,
Kashmir Committee Chairman Masood Ahmed Puri welcomed the guests and participants and congratulated Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on the privilege of performing Umrah. He paid tribute to Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, acknowledging his services and the various initiatives undertaken by the government. Chaudhry Akram Gujjar, Chairman of the Muslim League (N) Saudi Arabia, and other speakers also addressed the event. While introducing various forums and their activities, the speakers highlighted the importance of national solidarity, unity, and mutual cooperation among overseas Pakistanis. The event was attended by Chaudhry Azhar Abbas Waraich; Mehar Abdul Khaliq Lak, General Secretary of the Pakistan Investors Forum; Engineer Muhammad Arif, Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Community; Sardar Muhammad Ashfaq, President of the Muslim Conference; Chaudhry Waheed Ahmed, Senior Vice President of PML-N Saudi Arabia; Mian Rizwan-ul-Haq, Chairman of PML-N Jeddah Region; John Gulzar, Chairman of the Christian Community; Umar Masood Ahmed Puri; Chaudhry Saqlain Gujjar, Chairman of the All Pakistan Gujjar Association; Chaudhry Tariq; Zaryab Shafqat; Riaz Shaheen Afridi; Ms. Maryam Tanveer; Umm-e-Abdur Rehman; and other dignitaries.
