Pak., modern Islamic state: Musharraf

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, FEB. 18. The Pakistani Finance Minister, Mr. Shaukat Aziz, has said that the outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan are coming in the way of regional trade in South Asia.

Addressing a seminar `Mubarak Pakistan' (congrats Pakistan), organised by the `Young Presidents Organisation', a body of young entrepreneurs from all over the world, in Lahore on Saturday, the Minister said the regional trade in other parts of the world had flourished after the countries in the region resolved their major outstanding disputes.

The Minister told the gathering that Pakistan was ready to resolve its differences with India. He said the Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, was ready to meet the Indian leaders anywhere and at any time.

The basic objective in organising the event was to sell Pakistan as a good proposition for foreign investment. The venue and timing has been chosen as the city of Lahore is celebrating the arrival of spring in a grand fashion.

The military government is bothered about the growing perception of Pakistan as a country of Islamic fundamentalists. The seminar is yet another attempt by the Musharraf regime to reassure the business community that their investments would be safe in Pakistan. The Pakistan Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, used the opportunity to impress upon the young entrepreneurs not to be influenced by the stereotyped image of Pakistan.

He described Pakistan as a `modern, progress and tolerant Islamic State'. Gen. Musharraf said that with rich natural and human resources, Pakistan is an ideal destination for foreign investors. The Chief Executive said that the overall environment in Pakistan was far better and progressive than it was portrayed to the world. He urged the delegates to go around for themselves and find that the stereotyped image of Pakistan as an extremist country was based on misperceptions and distortions.

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Section  : International
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