WASHINGTON: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday said Pakistan was looking to boost its trade ties with the world powers, particularly the United States, instead of being dependent on aid money from the other countries.
The minister made these comments after visiting Capital One Arena in Washington and reviewed arrangements for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the Pakistani community there.
Senator Abdullah Riar – who is in-charge of the convention being arranged for the prime minister— briefed Qureshi about the community event.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements, the minister said the welfare of expatriate Pakistanis is a top priority of the PTI government; therefore, Prime Minister Imran Khan included his meeting with the Pakistani community in his schedule.
Later talking to media-persons, Qureshi said Pakistanis living in the United States are “curious and enthusiastic to learn Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of Naya Pakistan”.
He said the venue has a capacity of 20,000 people, and so far, overseas Pakistanis have got their seats reserved.
Qureshi said Pakistan is passing through a difficult economic situation; therefore, the government is implementing an austerity drive.
He said the Pakistan delegation, including the PM, will stay at Pakistan House instead of “costly hotels” during the visit.
He said: “We are emphasizing on peace and stability and we are trying to restore our relationship.”
Pakistani community in the United States will give an outstanding reception to Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to Washington.
Meanwhile, Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting Chairman Faisal Javed arrived in the US to review arrangements of a public gathering for Prime Minister Imran Khan in Washington.
