Pakistan’s passport is respected now all over the world, says DPM Dar

LAHORE – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan’s positive image has emerged on the world map after effective diplomacy to bring Iran and United States back to table talks after 47 years of long period. “Pakistan has now emerged with an image of peacemaker country in the world with the blessings of God,” said DPM and FM Dar while talking to the reporters during his visit to shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (R.R) in Lahore. Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan’s passport is respected now all over the world , and people give credit and regard to Pakistan for peace efforts. “You know it is Pakistan that brought US and Iran back to table talks after decades long gap,” he said, terming it a big achievement. Pakistan, he said, was making steady progress towards economic stability and regaining its international stature through effective diplomacy and economic reforms. Dar said Pakistan’s nuclear programme, launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and completed under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, had made the country a strong nuclear power. Pakistan, he said, is also a strong missile power. He said Pakistan recorded significant economic progress between 2013 and 2017, with growth reaching 6.3 per cent and key economic indicators were showing improvement. However, he added that the country later suffered setbacks, causing economic losses and requiring substantial efforts to restore stability. Dar said the government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is working to rebuild the economy and place the country back on the path of growth. He pointed out that measures introduced in the federal budget, including a fixed-tax regime for businesses, were aimed at supporting the business community and encouraging economic activity. Referring to recent regional developments, the foreign minister said Pakistan strongly condemned attacks on Iran and consistently advoca