LONDON: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has invited British businessmen to invest in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-related projects.
Addressing an annual dinner of Pakistan Society on Thursday, the minister said CPEC is a very ambitious development project, which can change the fate of entire country.
Referring to the Pakistan and the UK relations, he said that both countries are enjoying friendly relations. “We should try to utilise the opportunities which are awaiting us,” he emphasised.
He said security situation has now improved manifold due to the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces and the nation. He said after assuming office in June 2013, the focus of the government was on internal security which was presenting a dismal picture. “With in no time after the launch of operation Zarb-e-Azb, suicide bombing have gone down by 31 percent and most of the terrorist activities have now been restricted to FATA,” he added.
Nisar said the militants and their networks have been eliminated within Pakistan but some of them have crossed the border. “Unfortunately they continue to operate, across the border, within Pakistan and outside Pakistan but naturally their reach is limited. “We are trying to seal and protect our border. It is a difficult process but we are trying our utmost and ensuring that infiltration across the border by the militants does not take place.”
However, he said, the improved security situation now provides incentives for huge economic activities for the businessmen to invest in.
He urged the Pakistan Society to their due play role in bringing the two countries together. He asked the high commissioner in UK to provide office to Pakistan Society in its building and another office in Pakistan for direct communication with the government.
He invited members of the society to visit Pakistan and seize opportunities for doing business in Pakistan.
