ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday underlined the importance of projecting true image of Pakistan as a moderate, peace loving and progressive Islamic state and called for efforts to proactively remove misperceptions about Pakistan.
Talking to a delegation of press officers of the Information Group posted in Pakistan Missions abroad who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President said that the role of press officers is important in creating understanding and awareness about Pakistan and highlighting the successes achieved in the economic and social spheres to make the country a truly democratic and progressive country. He noted that media has a central role in diplomacy and with the revolution in information and communication technology its significance has further increased.
He said that the world has now become a global village and social media has turned common man into a journalist, therefore heavy responsibility falls on press officers in projecting government’s policies and protecting national interests. “Your top priority should be to project Pakistan as a democratic, moderate and peaceful state which desires friendly relations with all its neighbours,” he added.
He said that the people of Pakistan and its civil society are peace loving and humanitarian adding that the ratio of public charity to GDP is the highest in the world in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan has been the biggest victim of terrorism and has lost more than 60,000 lives in the war against terrorism and extremism. He expressed his satisfaction at the successes achieved in operation Zarb-e-Azb and expressed his conviction that complete success will soon be achieved in eradicating this menace from the country.
He called for highlighting Kashmir issue as an international dispute which should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and in the light of UN resolutions. “Pakistan fully supports Kashmiri people in their struggle for right to self-determination and expects from international community to play its role in halting gross human rights violations by Indian security forces in Kashmir,” he underscored.
He directed the press officers to explain the true context of Kashmir issue and non-fulfillment of the UN resolutions and pledges by India. He said that democracy is strengthening in the country where media is independent and the women are being encouraged to acquire education and play a greater role in nation-building. He further said that the civil society is playing a very active role in the country which is paving way for a very constructive change in the society. He said that the country’s economy is improving as a result of sound economic policies and urged the officers to highlight investor friendly policies of the government to attract foreign investment. He said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC) project would transform not only Pakistan, but the whole region. “With the completion of energy projects, the country would get rid of loadshedding by 2018,” he asserted.
President hoped that press officers will work with dedication and utilise all their abilities in furthering the interests of Pakistan at their places of posting. He wished the officers well in discharge of their new responsibilities. Later, the president said that Pakistan offers immense investment opportunities and international investors should take maximum advantage of it.
Talking to a Turkish KOC Holding Company delegation ,which, headed by its President Fatih Kemal Ebiclioglu, called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president noted that law and order situation in Pakistan has significantly improved to make the country ideal for investment. He said that Pakistan is providing all necessary facilities to entrepreneurs who are investing here adding that this is the reason that international investors are turning toward Pakistan which is evident of growing confidence in its economic policies. He said that Pakistan enjoys brotherly relations with Turkey and both countries have stood by each other in times of need. He said that Turkish investors should benefit from Pakistan’s business friendly policies by investing in various sectors so that bilateral relations are further strengthened. He said that Pakistan offers great opportunities for investment in its energy generation and infrastructure projects.
Speaking on the occasion, KOC Holding Company President Fatih Kemal Ebiclioglu thanked the president and assured that they will induce other Turkish investors to invest in Pakistan. On the occasion,Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Sadiq Babar Girgin was also present.
