Ashrafi attributes economic progress to efforts of Arab, other Islamic countries

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Religious Harmony and Pakistani Diaspora in the Middle East and Islamic Countries Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Tuesday attributed improvement in economic situation in Pakistan to the collaborative efforts of Arab and Islamic nations, along with the positive impact of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

“The encouraging developments were emerging from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and other amicable nations, following the substantial financial agreements with the UAE,” he said while talking to the media on Tuesday.

Ashrafi acknowledged that foreign investment in Pakistan was made feasible through the trust of friendly countries and the dedicated efforts of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.

He emphasised that Pakistan could not afford to repeat past mistakes and animosities, stating, “Islamic brother countries desire a resilient Pakistan.”

He highlighted that the SIFC played a pivotal role in attracting investments to Pakistan, with significant participation from important businessmen and groups of friendly nations.

He assured that overseas Pakistanis could now invest confidently, underscoring the government’s responsibility to facilitate and support them.

In response to a question, Ashrafi affirmed that Pakistan, as a core member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), maintained an unequivocal stance on the Palestine issue.

He emphasised that any solution acceptable to Palestine would find acceptance in Pakistan.

He praised the current leadership of the OIC under Saudi Arabia. He also acknowledged the contributions of Turkiye, Iran, and Qatar, highlighting that the collective pressure from OIC members played a crucial role of Europe, America, and Britain in influencing Israel to cease hostilities.

At this time, he asserted that all Islamic nations were unanimous on extension of the ceasefire and advocated for the establishment of a sovereign and autonomous Palestinian state, designating Al-Quds as its capital.