LONDON: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan has suffered the most in the fight against terrorism.
In an interview with CNN, he said the country lost its 60,000 citizens, incurred an economic loss of over 25 billion dollars, but Pakistan only received nominal aid from the United States.
The minister categorically stated that Pakistan wanted trade not aid from the US. The country would befittingly respond to any scheme spun to hurt its interests, he warned.
He emphasized that good ties between Pakistan and the US were vital for Afghan peace, urging Washington to work together for peace in Afghanistan.
Iqbal said Pakistan fought the war on terror for the security of its own people, not for any security assistance.
He said Pakistan is the only country which has suffered the most because of instability in Afghanistan, yet the blame for failures in the war-torn country was being parked at its door.
Separately, addressing the Pakistani community in London, the interior minister said Pakistan was contemplating to issue Electronic Visa (E-Visa) to facilitate visitors and investors in order to make the country a member of the global economy.
He said peace has been restored across the country including FATA and Karachi.
He said under CPEC Pakistan will build Gwadar Maritime port making it one of the best maritime ports in Asian region.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan has now become one of the best investment-friendly destinations for investors with an attractive market of 207 million people with emerging middle class.
He also urged them to invite UK investors to exploit investment opportunity in various sectors of Pakistan.
The minister held meeting with UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen in London and discussed bilateral economic cooperation.
He also held meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
They discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
Boris Johnson lauded the economic reforms agenda of Pakistan. He said that UK is taking keen interest in China Pakistan Economic Corridor and expressed the desires to take benefit from it.
He also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in war against terrorism. He said the effective efforts of Pakistan against terrorism has helped in bringing peace and stability in the world. He said Britain highly values its relations with Pakistan.
