Countries keen to deepen trade, diplomatic ties with Pakistan: Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said that a growing number of countries were keen to expand trade and diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, citing improved international standing and renewed global interest.

Speaking to office-bearers of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) from the United Arab Emirates and Canada, Dar described overseas Pakistanis as a key national asset and said the government was actively working to address their concerns and facilitate them.

Referring to what he termed the historic victory of May 9, the deputy prime minister said it was a special blessing of Almighty Allah for the nation, adding that Pakistan had gained significant respect internationally following the event, for which gratitude alone was insufficient.

The interaction was attended by senior overseas party leaders, including PML-N UAE Chairman Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, PML-N Canada Media Head Pir Adnan Bodla, Vice President PML-N Canada Raja Muhammad Shafiq, and other office-bearers. Additional Secretary General of PML-N Anusha Rehman was also present.

During the meeting, participants congratulated Ishaq Dar on the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and expressed appreciation for the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the deputy prime minister in restoring what they described as the dignity and international standing of the Pakistani passport.

The overseas leaders also praised recent economic and diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the government, saying these measures had strengthened Pakistan’s security and global profile.

On the occasion, Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader and MLA candidate Raja Muhammad Shafiq presented a book highlighting development projects carried out in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.