Pakistan suffered $14 billion loss in few months: Iqbal

Says Dawn Leaks now an issue of the past

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said that Pakistan suffered a $14 billion loss over the past three to four months due to adverse political situation, otherwise it was making rapid development.

The minister was referring to the political uncertainty in the wake of the JIT probe into the Panama Papers leaks and the Supreme Court verdict in the case.

Talking to media-persons during a visit to the gutted stalls at Peshawar Mor ‘Sasta Bazar’, Iqbal said a joint investigation was carried out into the Dawn Leaks issue which reached its logical end. “Now it is an issue of the past,” he said.



He was accompanied, among others, by Minister of State for the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Mayor and Chairman of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Sheikh Anser Aziz.

Stressing the need for greater national unity, the interior minister said there was no need to tell the world that “Pakistan does not lack cohesion”, adding that elements seeking to create instability in the country would be defeated.

Answering a question about the current situation in Afghanistan and other Muslim countries, he said he had repeatedly pointed out that conspiracies were being hatched in countries around Pakistan.

Stressing that conspiracies obstruct progress in any country, he said the government was working to bring stability and permanent peace in the country. “A flourishing economy is vital in this connection,” he said.

He said the interior ministry would continue to play an effective role under the National Action Plan (NAP) for peace and stability.



Commenting on the recent threatening statement from President Donald Trump, he said political leaders and military commanders had both rejected the US president’s assertions.

He said Pakistan had joined the fight against terrorism in its own interest and not just to please anyone.

“Pakistan desires lasting peace in the region,” he said. “Pakistan is a distinguished member in the comity of nations and it will continue to make efforts for regional peace in collaboration with friendly countries.”