KOHAT: Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi on Friday said that Pakistan has moved on the road to progress and development after matchless sacrifices by its people and security forces in war against terrorism.
He said that foreign investment for development of terrorism- affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) including merged tribal districts would be highly welcomed.
Afridi made the comments while addressing inauguration of Centre for Training of Teaching and Research Centre with assistance of China at Kohat University of Science and Technology in Kohat.
In his key note address, Afridi said southern districts of KP, including merged tribal districts, are gateway to Central Asia and foreign investment will help bring economic prosperity and development imperative for regional integration.
He said Pakistan and China are two brotherly countries with all weather and deep-rooted relations. He said Chinese investment in the region in mineral, oil and gas sectors would be highly welcomed as well.
He claimed that after the merger of tribal districts, KP’s southern districts will become a hub of business and trade activities and socio-economic conditions of tribal people would be improved.
“We have opened our doors for all those seeking investment and coming for tourism to Pakistan,” he said, adding the new visa policy would help revive tourism and bring direct foreign investment to the country.
The minister said peace and development are the core part of Pakistan’s future and a clear message has been given to the enemy that we are united and ready to face any challenges.
He said the nation had been searching for an honest and dynamic leader and finally found it in the shape of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Afridi said all decisions now being taken in the country are in national interest.
He elaborated that as result of prudent economic policies of the government, there is an investment-friendly environment for investors and more mega projects would be launched in Pakistan in the near future.
Afridi claimed that ‘hybrid’ war is being fought against Pakistan in a bid to control the minds of youth but it would also fail.
“Let the world know that we are united and no force can disintegrate or divide us,” he said.
The state minister for interior said political opponents did not have anything except propaganda for point-scoring on petty issues to stay politically relevant.
In his short address, the Chinese ambassador highlighted the importance of on-going Chinese sponsored projects in Pakistan.
