Propaganda can’t isolate Pakistan: FO

Islamabad desires cordial relations with neighbours; Pakistan serves as best route for landlocked Central Asian states to access international markets

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Sunday said Pakistan wanted cordial relations with its neighbours but it could not be isolated through propaganda.

Talking to the media, spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said it was Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s vision to have a conducive environment in the region. “Pakistan has become a better country for investment,” he added.

He said the ECO Summit will turn out to be important for the entire region, having the highest rate of investment at present. Collaboration of all countries in different dimensions will enhance chances of trade, he added.

“Pakistan is situated at a point where three regions meet. Central Asia is landlocked needing sea access to reach the international markets. For this purpose, Pakistan is the best route,” he added.

He said Pakistan had become a hub of economy and a corridor in the region.  He said Pakistan was the best route for the world to have access to the reservoirs of gas and oil in the Central Asia. 

He said the 13th ECO summit will be held in Islamabad on March 1. Meanwhile, in a message on the social media, he said with improvement in economic indicators, Pakistan’s ranking had become more stable and positive. 

He said according to economic ranking centers, Pakistan’s GDP will go up from 4.7 to 5.5 percent in the coming three years.  He said the members of an organisation for economic cooperation had been working for regional development over the past 12 years.