Pakistan: Celebrating a progressive nation
By Javed Malik
Published: Wed 23 Mar 2016, 9:00 AM
Last updated: Wed 23 Mar 2016, 2:14 PM
This year, as the people of Pakistan celebrate their National Day, they do so with a renewed sense of confidence, optimism and pride as they see their beloved country truly poised towards achieving the rightful glory that it deserves. Today's Pakistan is steadily moving towards political stability, economic growth, and regional connectivity as the nation stands united behind our democratically elected government and the brave armed forces.
The people of Pakistan are working together in their efforts to build a stable, progressive, prosperous country. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif remains committed to deliver to its citizens and empower them through education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Pakistan's PrimeMinister Nawaz Sharif meets Pakistan's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and PM's Special Envoy Javed Malik at PM House in IslamabadVision of our founding fathersTraditionally March 23 is a day of reflection, when the people of Pakistan remember and pay tribute to our founding fathers, who adopted a historic resolution that paved the way for carving out an independent homeland for the Muslims of South Asia. When they met on that momentous occasion in Lahore in 1940, they dreamed of a modern and progressive welfare state that is built on the principles of democracy and pluralism. A country that provides its citizens with an inclusive and participatory system of government that enables them to play a positive role in the nation building process and creates opportunities in fields of education, employment and healthcare.
They visualised a society where women are equal and respectable citizens and are active participants in all fields of life. Today, as we reflect, we feel confident that we have come a long way in achieving some of these goals. Yes, there have been some challenges too, but the people of Pakistan are determined to convert those challenges into opportunities and build a Pakistan in line with the vision of our founding fathers.
Today's PakistanThe democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made it a top priority to focus all their energies to revive the country's economy and restore stability. They have introduced an effective policy framework to boost growth control spending, offering attractive incentives to encourage investment and pave the way for trade expansion. Today, Pakistan believes in providing an enabling and business-friendly environment to facilitate and encourage businessmen and entrepreneurs with an equal priority for small and medium enterprises as well as the large business groups. The government's economic policies are focused on liberalisation, de-regulation, privatisation and ease of doing business and the Prime Minister's clear policy directive ensures transparency, good governance and zero tolerance for corruption.
The Pakistan government has embarked upon mega projects, which can effectively resolve the energy shortfall and enable large industries to be set up in specially created economic zones, offering some of the best incentives anywhere in the world. Similarly, the government is committed to ensuring stability and rooting out the issue of extremism from its core and there is total and absolute consensus between all national stake holders including the civil and military elite in this regard. The national action plan, which was put in place after comprehensive consultation, has done wonders to break the back of those elements that dared to create instability and the success of the operation Zarb-e-Azb are visible and being recognised globally.
All of these measures are renewing confidence of both domestic and international investors and today we have various international business houses exploring opportunities in Pakistan. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an example of massive investments coming into Pakistan, which is fully poised to revolutionise regional and international trade, making Pakistan the hub of trade for south and central Asia as well as the Gulf states. Analysts and economic experts around the world will tell you that Pakistan is a land of opportunities. Pakistan's strategic location is one of its major strengths. Pakistan has South and central Asian States on one side, the oil rich Gulf economies on the other, while the economic giant like China in its immediate neighbourhood, making the country a gateway that connects this emerging region. Work is underway at top speed to build a state-of-the-art port Gawadar that would revolutionise regional and international trade and give a major boost to Pakistan's economy. We have a population of almost 200 million people with a growing youth that make Pakistan one of the biggest markets in the region. Our lands are rich and fertile and our climate boasts all four seasons; our agro, dairy, livestock and textile exports are continuing to grow. Pakistan offers some of the most attractive business, trade and investment opportunities in the region and this is evident from the growing interest by international investors.
Pakistan - GCC relationsPakistan and the Gulf countries share historic, deep-rooted and brotherly relations, which can be traced back to centuries. Just like we share our history, culture, religion and social values, we also share our future. Our destinies as nations are entwined and therefore Pakistan regards its relations with the Gulf countries as vital and important. The stability and progress of the Gulf countries is the stability and progress of Pakistan and we will continue to work with all our friends and allies to promote good relations and brotherhood with all.
Javed Malik is Pakistan's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Pakistan based in Gulf. He can be reached on Twitter @JavedMalik