LONDON, Jan 14 (APP): Former Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the upcoming elections will provide an impetus for political stability and further economic growth enabling the country to continue the march for prosperity and people’s welfare.
He was speaking to a gathering of British- Pakistani professionals, business and community leaders at a dinner hosted by the Pakistan High Commissioner Dr.Maleeha Lodhi at her residence on Sunday evening. Besides others, he dinner was attended by the British Minister for Department for International Development (DFID), Shahid Malik.
Shaukat Aziz said that people of Pakistan would find their voice in free, fair and transparent elections on Feb 18,2008. “Pakistan is at an important
crossroad, and the new elected Government would be well positioned to take the country forward amidst many internal and external challenges,” he said.
Dispelling concerns about the economic health of the country, he said that the fundamentals are strong and investments in Pakistan had earned high dividends. He said that due to the country’s strategic location and attractive demographics, Pakistan will continue to be an attractive destination for local and foreign investment. “A more appealing denominator is that the overall direction of the economy will remain positive,” he added.
The former Prime Minister, currently on a private visit to UK, applauded the role of Dr. Maleeha Lodhi in representing the country and strengthening relations between Pakistan and the U.K.
He expressed admiration for British Pakistanis who through sheer hard work and entrepreneurship have risen to prominence in all walks of life in Britain and said that Shahid Malik, Minister DFID is a role model for others.
Speaking on the occasion Shahid Malik appreciated the former Prime Minister for his contribution in Pakistan’s economic recovery. He said that the people of Pakistan have shown resilience in trying situations and hoped that the process of nation building would continue in accordance with the aspirations of the people after the forthcoming elections
The British Junior Minister also said that DFID will continue its financial aid programme for Pakistan which would be further increased in coming years.