Pakistani ambassador notes positive shift in global perception of Pakistan

WASHINGTON: Pakistani Ambassador to United States (US) Masood Khan stated that there is a ‘notable shift’ in the international perception of Pakistan on Saturday. He observed that there has been a tangible improvement in attitudes toward the country compared to the previous year.

The ambassador expressed his optimism regarding the recent positive perception towards Pakistan, in particular Pakistan’s relations with international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in his recent official visit to the US was actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to boost economic ties with various countries. Aurangzeb held discussions with counterparts from key countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Finance Minister also participated in conferences organised by the international financial organisations and conducted negotiations with potential investors, in an effort to attract foreign investment.

The Finance Minister even met up with Pakistani-American entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, where the minister extended invitations for investment in Pakistan’s burgeoning tech industry.

Similarly, discussions between senior officials from the US Treasury Department and Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the “mutual desire” to strengthen economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The US Treasury Secretary stated that Washington was willing to cooperate closely with Pakistan in advancing economic ties.

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Aurangzeb stated this was the perfect time for for Pakistan to seize the opportunity presented by increased investor confidence. He cited positive indicators such as accelerated growth in the country’s stock market. The finance minister detailed plans and key areas to work on for economic reform. He mentioned enhancing the tax system to boost revenue and curbing leakages and losses, in particular.

The finance minister mentioned that efforts to privatise state-owned institutions were underway, including the country’s national air carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Aurangzeb said this will streamline the economy and help attract private investment, domestic and foreign. He also talked about the ongoing efforts to access Chinese markets to expand trade opportunities.