Pakistan Views

Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz expressing his commitment to project the soft image of Pakistan abroad said that he is frequently being invited at important international forums.In an interview to private TV, the former PM said that he is writing a book that would cover domestic, regional and international issues with a note of his personal experiences.Shaukat claimed that he served the country in the capacity of Finance Minister and Prime Minister with dedication and sincerity adding he had been working 12 to 16 hours daily.He was of the view that there was dire need to promote culture of merit in the society for the country’s progress and development.He expressed satisfaction over economic policies introduced during last eight years adding it was due to these policies that massive foreign investment poured into the country.He however said it will take some time to bring the country at a stage from where it could take a quantum leap in the region in the area of economic progress.Shaukat said that there are issues of poverty and unemployment in the region as well as in Pakistan which could be addressed only due to prompt planning and sustainable economic policies.He said that good governance, transparency, keeping national interest supreme are the key to progress and development of the country.While praying for the success of new government, Shaukat said that he is saying at all international forums that this government has the ability and potential to put the country on the path of rapid growth.Stressing upon the need of promoting inter-faith harmony to achieve global peace targets the former PM said issues should be resolved through negotiations.He urged religious scholars to play their due role in highlighting true spirit of Islam by preaching that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony which does not allow anyone to take life of any innocent.He underlined the need to address the root causes which prompt individuals to indulge in violence and terrorism world across.To a question he said the increasing oil prices in the world market are creating problems for Pakistan’s economy adding its a world phenomenon and it has to be tackled through an effective strategy.To another question Shaukat said that National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) was introduced to promote culture of reconciliation and democratic norms in the country.He hoped that NRO would be a successful step because it will bring political maturity and stability to keep the country on the path of progress and development.Responding to another question he said that every pillar of the state must fulfil its responsibility and the attitude of confrontation be avoided as it would harm the country.He termed the youth an asset of the country and urged to make them useful citizens by equipping them with international standard education and training.