Pakistan on Thursday said it was pursuing the economic reform agenda in earnestness and was determined to continue taking difficult steps in the long-term interests of the country. The message was conveyed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar during a meeting, chaired by her, with the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) representatives, a foreign office statement said.
Reviewing the progress made by on programmes and projects run by the FoDP since its inception in 2008, the minister of state appreciated the support extended by the FoDP partners. She noted that the FoDP had been engaged in specific projects which were critical for Pakistan’s long-term socio-economic development. In this regard, the she commended the Energy Report and Plan prepared by the FoDP to address energy challenges faced by Pakistan.
Khar also acknowledged the contributions and assistance of FoDP members following the law enforcement operation in Malakand and during the floods last year. In this regard she lauded the establishment of a Multi Donor Trust Fund at the World Bank terming it significant for development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA and Balochistan.
She stated that the democratic government of Pakistan was pursuing the reform agenda in earnestness, and was determined to continue taking difficult steps in the long-term interests of Pakistan, adding that it was important for the international community, especially for Friends, to show understanding of the issues being faced by Pakistan.
She said that the people of Pakistan were rendering enormous sacrifices for global stability.
