Daily Times

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday said the opposition parties are welcome to launch a campaign against government if they think that any such move at this point of time will be in favour of the country.

“If PML-N and PPP think that protest will be in the country’s favour at this time, then they are welcome,” the foreign minister said while talking to media here. However, he added, these parties criticised the PTI’s protest in the past and alleged that it would derail democracy and also affect the country’s economy.

Qureshi said the government has formed an experienced team of economic experts which will surely restore trust of investors and bring about an overall improvement in the national economy. He said the country’s economic condition is a challenge for the government and the PTI has accepted it with a commitment to bring about an improvement in it. He said the restoration of investors’ trust is necessary to give a much-needed boost to the economy.

The minister said that Shabar Zaidi is a tax expert and never remained a part of any government in the past. He added that Prime Minister Imran Khan had asked him (Shabbar Zaidi) for his services to increase tax collection and revenue generation. He said that the government has positive expectations from Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Salman Shah as they both are experts in their fields. To a question, Qureshi said that fluctuation in dollar price is being monitored by the State Bank of Pakistan and there is no interference of the finance ministry in it.

To a question, Qureshi said that Jahangir Tareen is in full support of establishment of South Punjab province, adding that some elements are spreading disinformation to create confusion. He said Federal Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema has his own point of view on the issue, however efforts will be made to convince him too. He said the creation of South Punjab province is part of the PTI’s manifesto.

He said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is an independent institution and is working under the law. He questioned that why the parties which are now criticizing the NAB did not change law when they were in power. He said the government announced Local Government Act, 2019, after a procedure, adding that local government elections will be held in three steps, including panchayat councils, tehsil councils and urban councils.

To a question, the minister said that situation has improved in Balochistan, however some elements are attempting to harm peace. He expressed the resolve that these elements will be defeated.

To a question about conflict between US and Iran, Qureshi said that Pakistan is in support of sustainable peace in the region, adding that Pakistan also expects dialogue with the new government of India to resolve all issues.

He said a trade war between US and China is not only affecting the country’s market but is also influencing markets of other countries.