Reviving economy is govt’s top priority: Fawad

Information minister hopes India opens way for dialogue post its general polls

LONDON: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has reiterated government's commitment to uproot corruption and regulate remittances for curbing money laundering.

He stated this while delivering lecture at the Oxford University on important national, regional and international issues where a large number of students from various academic disciplines attended the event.

The minister said the purpose of his visit to Oxford University was to develop linkages with student community and academic institutions as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan about youth.

In this regard, the minister said, the government would offer internships to students from top universities of the world at various academic institutions of Pakistan. He also gave a historical overview of important national and regional developments that shaped up socio-economic and political contours of Pakistan during last seven decades.

“Conflict in the region has negative impact on the social fabric and economy of Pakistan, yet we survived due to our inherent and unparalleled resilience,” said Chaudhry adding the present Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan was specially focusing on revival of the national economy.



Responding to the questions of students, the minister effectively debunked the myths and negativity associated with China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the Western media and termed it a great economic project for the prosperity of the entire region.

“Civil and military institutions are working in complete harmony due to which 70 years old paradigm of foreign policy is shifting, and opening of Kartarpur Corridor is one of its manifestations,” he stated adding understanding between civil and military institutions is imperative for continuity of policies as "it happens in developed democracies".

In reply to questions regarding India, Pakistan relations, the minister said dialogue is the only way forward to resolve all issues including the Kashmir dispute. The minister hoped that after its upcoming elections, India would seriously consider Pakistan's offer of dialogue to resolve issues including core Kashmir issue.



"Pakistan wants peace within and peace outside. In this regard we are willing to play our role in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan", he remarked.

The minister on the occasion shared with the participants that big foreign companies of US, UAE, Saudi Arabia and from other countries have shown keen interest to invest billions of dollars in various sectors of Pakistan's economy.

The minister said, "Transparency and rule of law are PM Imran Khan's priorities".

Responding to some searching questions of the students about freedom of expression, the minister said Pakistan has free media and the present government has removed all censorship on state media from the very outset.

Regarding rights of overseas Pakistanis, the minister said that the government was working on enhancing the participation of overseas Pakistanis in the economic and political affairs of the country and benefiting from their experience and expertise in various fields.