Ambassador Jilani highlights Pakistan’s economic upturn
Pakistan’s economy is now on upward trajectory as a result of focused approach Islamabad is pursuing, as it also endeavors to meet exponential energy needs, Pakisetan’s ambassador to the United States Jalil Abbas Jilani said.
The ambassador was addressing a welcome dinner hosted in his honor by the South Asian community of Maryland-Washington D.C. metro area led by Sajid Tarar and Mr. Jessie Singh.
The World Bank and IMF, he said, have also testified to the upturn in Pakistan economy achieved in half a year after Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif introduced a series of policies and reforms to stimulate economic growth.
Simultaneously, Islamabad has added a substantive amount of energy to the national system with 1200 Megawatts of electricity coming with the U.S. cooperation.
He told the gathering that talks are underway to import electricity from India and Central Asia.
On Pakistan-India bilateral trade, he said, it has expanded from $ 300 million in the not too distant past to $ 3.5 billion this year and is expected to touch the figure of 5 billion dollars by 2015.
Ambassador Jilani expressed the hope that improved economic and trade relations would help bring peace and prosperity to the South Asian people.
He also touched on the government’s efforts to curb the menace of terrorism.
He noted that the South Asian community has a strong presence in the American politics, saying he has seen young Pakistanis working on the Capitol Hill.
Ambassador Jilani praised the religious tolerance amongst South Asian communities, and said they have made important contributions to American politics and economy by excelling in various fields. He asked the South Asians Americans to maintain connections with their respective homelands.
Ambassador Jilani assured the Pakistani community of best services by the embassy and the consulates.
Attorney General of Maryland Mr. Doug Gansler welcomed Ambassador Jilani. Secretary of State (Maryland) John McDonough presented Citation to Ambassador Jilani on behalf of Governer of Maryland Martin O’ Malley.
March 03, 2014
Washington, DC
