Pakistani Americans are playing the role of a bridge between the United States and Pakistan. Ishaq Dar appreciated the continuous efforts of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) in the development of American-origin Pakistanis.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, he made these remarks during a meeting with the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee in New York.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said that the APPAC is playing an effective role in better coordination and achieving common goals.
Ishaq Dar praised APPAC's ongoing efforts in the progress of American-origin Pakistanis and called the committee a bridge between the US and Pakistan.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s economy, which was the fourth largest in the world, declined after PTI’s four-year tenure. He added that if PTI’s government had continued for another six months, Pakistan would have gone into default.
Addressing the Pakistani community in New York, Ishaq Dar said that overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset for the country. He stated that government efforts have led to significant improvements in the economy.
He said that they have saved the country from default and brought improvements in economic indicators within a short span of three years. He added that GDP growth has notably improved, and all international financial institutions acknowledge Pakistan’s economic progress.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that whenever economic issues worsen, he is remembered. He repeated that if PTI had remained in power for six more months, Pakistan would have defaulted. After the successful no-confidence motion, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government remained in power for 16 months.
Ishaq Dar said that during the PDM’s tenure, they saved the country from bankruptcy. The PDM government ended on August 9, after which a caretaker government was formed. He mentioned that elections were held, and Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister leading a coalition government.
He stated that, by the grace of God, the country’s foreign exchange reserves are increasing. The Prime Minister has worked tirelessly for economic stability, and Nawaz Sharif continues to represent both the federal and Punjab governments.
Ishaq Dar also acknowledged that Pakistan faced diplomatic isolation in the past, but they have now buried the threat of default. Their goal is to include Pakistan among the G20 countries. Inflation rates in the country have significantly decreased.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Afghanistan is Pakistan’s neighboring country. He visited Kabul on April 19 after four years. Discussions were held on trade, Afghan refugees, and other issues.
Ishaq Dar also mentioned that Pakistan chaired the United Nations Security Council this month and is currently very active on the diplomatic front.
He further said that Aafia Siddiqui is Pakistan’s daughter, and no one should misunderstand or claim that efforts were not made for her. He assured that tireless efforts have been made for her release.
