Achievements of President Pervez Musharraf
Introduction:
This document lists some of the achievements of the former President of Pakistan, General (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf. It is, probably the longest single statement of feats of developments, repairs and enhancements in one of the “most difficult countries to govern” (Time Magazine).
- The Situation on 12th October 1999, when Mr. Musharraf took over was that Pakistan faced:
- Economic bankruptcy.
- International isolation.
- The Country was referred to as a ‘failed state’.
- Political instability and chequered political history of previous governments. Opposition never allowed an elected government to complete term and derailed the process/institutions.
- Achievments Summary:
- Empowerment of people through devolution at grass roots level.
- Empowerment of Women at all tiers of government / legislature.
- Legislation against honour killings. Women Protection Bill.
- Empowerment of minorities through joint electorate as well as reserved seats.
- Empowerment of younger generation by reducing voter age from 21 to 18 years.
- Empowerment of media by allowing total freedom to press and print media and flow of information.
- Empowerment of economy through wide ranging economic reforms.
- Record allocations for science and technology, education and health sectors. Emphasis on human resource development.
- Free, Fair, Transparent and Peaceful Elections
- During his years in power, Pakistan pursued consistent and favourable policies of liberalization, deregulation and privatization.
- Economic recovery, institutional reforms and good governance were our declared priorities.
- For economic recovery, the Government pursued a two-pronged strategy of ensuring macro-economic stability and introducing structural reforms for self-sustainable growth.
- As a result, the economy had expanded at an average rate of 7% per annum during the last four years. Its growth touched a record level of 9% in 2004-05.
- Growth of large scale manufacturing which was 3.6% during 1999-00, registered an average increase of 11.31 % per annum during the period from 2000-07. Growth of this sector was highest in 2004-05 i.e. 19.9%.
- Exchange rate remained stable despite widening of trade and current account deficits, clearly indicating strong inflows of external resources.
- Foreign Exchange reserves have crossed US$ 16 billion mark and the increased reserves can now finance more than 31 weeks of imports against only 10 weeks in 1998-99.
- Per capita income had increased from $ 526 (1999-00) to $925 (2006-07).
- Total revenue collections increased from Rs 308 billion in 1999 to Rs 846 billion during 2007.
- GDP growth which was 3.9% in 1999-00 grew at an average rate of 6% per annum during the period from 2000-07.
- Total GDP which ranged between Rs 769.7 billion (1988-89) and Rs 2,938.4 billion (1998-99), registered an enormous growth during the last 8 years and ranged between Rs 3,826 billion (1999-00) and Rs 9,970 billion (2006-07).
- Total FDI during 11 years from 1988-99 amounted to US$ 4.87 billion. The same during the subsequent 8 years registered enormous growth and amounted to US$ 13.195 billion.
- Micro credits to the tune of Rs 11.454 billion were extended to lower strata of the society.
- Agricultural loans of the order of Rs 596.44 billion were extended to farmers.
- Growth of stock market ranged between (–) 44.7% (in 1997-98) and 219.1% during 1988-99.
- As against KSE index of 1,257 points on 12th October, 1999, it was 13,772 in 2006-07.
- As against market capitalization of Rs 334 billion on 12th October, 1999, it was Rs 3,980 billion at the close of financial year 2006-07.
- Foreign debt and liabilities grew at an average rate of 7.4% per annum during 11 years from 1989-99. Total debt in 1989 was $20.522 billion which rose to $38.922 billion in 1999.
- If this trend had continued, Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities would have been over $ 60 billion. This level was brought down to $38.86 billion.
- External Debt and Liabilities (EDL) as % of GDP, which fluctuated between 51% and 66.3% during the period from 1988-99; (66.3% in 1988-89), fluctuated between 42.6% (2002-03) and 27.1% (2006-07).
- In 1998-99 our country was importing key staples to meet domestic requirements. In contrast, in FY07, country witnessed significant rise in the productivity in almost all major crops.
- Agriculture credit market was quite shallow and gross disbursements were only Rs 42.9 billion in 1998-99. Gross disbursements of agri-credit rose to Rs 168 billion in 2006-07.
- As against US$ 1.06 billion received during 1998-99, US$ 5.5 billion were received during 2006-07.
- During 1998-1999 total health expenditure was Rs 25 billion which had increased to Rs 50 billion.
- There had been an increase of about 20,000 registered doctors, around 3,000 registered dentists, about 15,000 nurses, and 56,000 lady health workers. The quantity, quality and distribution of this workforce were being improved.
- During 2000-2008 health indicators had shown gradual improvement.
- Many new initiatives in the health sector were undertaken during this period, including the Expanded Program of Immunization; Polio Eradication Programme; Hepatitis Control Programme; Primary Health Care Programme, TB Prevention & Control Programme; Aids Prevention & Control Programme; Blindness Prevention & Control Programme; National Maternal and Child Health Programme; and National Nutrition Program.
- Ø President’s Special Initiative on Health sector were started. Under this initiative all the resources in BHUs/ RHCs were being computerized and complete integration of Primary Health Service at BHUs were being pursued to improve the health care delivery system. Programme implemented at 837 BHU & all over Pakistan.
- Ø Public health related legislations enacted since 1999-2000 for promotion of healthy causes such as Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers, Promotion of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition. Transfusion of Safe Blood, Medical Aid to Injured Persons and Safe Use of Injections & Invasive medical devices.
- Legislation to regulate Tissues and Organ Transplantation has been carried out.
- Urban Health Initiative
- 81 new universities including Degree Awarding Institutions (DAI) and 14,117 schools/colleges were opened.
- 1,267,519 stipends to the needy students.
- 47,546,520 students were provided books free of cost.
- 127,623 missing facilities were provided in educational institutions.
- National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women was announced on 7th March, 2002.
- This policy contained a vision, defined goals, aims and objectives, formulated through a laborious and detailed consultative process.
- Reservation of 20% women’s seats in the National Assembly (There were 72 women Members of the National Assembly against 60 reserved seats).
- Reservation of 18% seats for women in the Senate (There were 17 women Members of the Senate).
- Reservation of women seats in the Provincial Assemblies (There were 139 women Members of the Provincial Assemblies against 128 reserved seats).
- There were six (6) women members of the then Federal Cabinet, which was an important step towards increasing women’s role in the national decision – making. We have a woman as Governor of the State Bank.
- Reservation of 33% seats for women at all tiers of local government remains a hallmark of the new system centered on the devolution of power (There are 27,624 Women Councilors against 28,549 reserved seats in local bodies).
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2004 (Honour Killing Bill) enacted.
- Reservation of quota for women in Government jobs including Central Superior Services.
- Presidential Ordinance promulgated on 8th of July 2006, “the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance, 2006,” allowed bail for women held on all charges with the exception of terrorism and murder. Out of more than 6,000 jailed women, around 1,000 were freed.
- Enactment of Women Protection Act, 2006 which provides a just and secure environment for women to work as equal partners for the development of Pakistan.
- Government’s efforts have resulted in reduction of poverty from 34.4% in 2001 to 23.9% in 2005.
- In this way one crore 27 lac (12.7 million) people came out of poverty.
- During last 5 years Rs 1,441 billion have been spent on poverty reduction and employment generation.
- During 1999-07, as many as 110,086 teachers, 65,231 Lady Health Visitors and 78,024 personnel in Police Department were appointed.
- 1,187,432 job opportunities were created in the Telecom Sector and 126,742 in Local Government Departments.
- 6.6 million Job opportunities were created in Punjab in new business/industries.
- 165,609 jobs were provided in various departments in the provinces.
- Work on 102 mega projects was initiated in various sectors from 2000.
- Such projects included Makran Coastal Highway, Lowari Tunnel, Pindi Bhattian – Faisalabad Motorway (M-3), Karachi Northern Bypass, Mirani Dam, Raising of Mangla Dam, Gomal Zam Dam, Sabakzai Dam, Satpara Dam, Kachhi Canal, Rainee Canal, Greater Thal Canal, Gwadar Port, Lining of Watercourses, Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Electric Project and Islamabad-Muzaffarabad Road.
- Six projects costing between Rs 1-5 billion have since been completed.
- Work on six projects including raising of Mangla Dam and Lyari Expressway and first unit of 4 MW of Satpara Dam, was nearing completion.
- Work on the remaining 89 projects was in progress and was scheduled to be completed during April, 2008 to December, 2016.
- As many as 34,251 development schemes were launched during the period from 1999-07.
- Villages electrified during 1947-1999: 67,180
- Villages electrified during 1999-2007: 54,50
- Rate of Village electrification per year
- New connections installed: 1.36 million
- Number of beneficiaries (new): 9.53 million
- Total amount spent: Rs 26.60 billion
- Towns/ villages/ localities supplied gas during 99- 07: 11,494
- Amount spent on gas supply schemes during 99-07: Rs 78.81 billion
- New connections provided during the period: 17.94 million
- As against total Federal PSDP of Rs 568.57 billion during 11 years from 1988-99, Rs 1,078.90 billion were provided during the next 8 years viz from 1999-2000 to 2006-07.
- A. Balochistan
- Balochistan being the least developed Province was the special focus of attention for development.
- During the 8 years period from 1999-07, Rs 108.3 billion were allocated for Federal projects in Balochistan.
- As many as 185 development projects were initiated in various sectors, in Balochistan. These were estimated to cost Rs 216 billion.
- As against Rs 30.6 billion allocated for these projects during 2006-07, an amount of Rs 46.60 billion has been allocated in PSDP for the current financial year (2007-08); a 52.29% increase over last year.
- Mirani Dam (Completed).
- Sabakzai Dam (Completed).
- Mangi Dam and Water Conveyance System for storage and supply of drinking water to Quetta city/surrounding areas.
- Gwadar Deep Sea Port (First Phase completed).
- Coastal Highway (Completed).
- NHA projects (14).
- 6,378.89 Kms of black topped roads.
- 1,561 Kms of shingle roads.
- 194 Kms farm-to-market roads.
- Construction of numerous roads between towns/villages, some examples are:-
- Lakpass Tunnel Project: 180 meter long tunnel worth Rs 932.153 million is being constructed near Quetta for smooth flow of traffic.
- Hoshab – Panjgur – Nag – Basima – Khuzdar road (600 kms): The project would cost Rs 17.45 billion and on completion help in developing remote areas.
- Dera Allah Yar – Nuttal – Sibi – Dhadar road project: Work is in progress. On completion it will link many towns of interior Balochistan.
- Construction of Khujuri- Bawata Road (64 kms):
- Reopening of Chamalang Coalmines: These mines were re-opened and providing jobs to more than 12,000 persons.
- Water Supply Schemes
- Provision of clean drinking water.
- Installation of Tube Wells.
- Irrigation Schemes
- Kachhi Canal (this project alone is providing employment to over 8,000 people and on completion has potential to change the fate of farmers of the area by irrigating 700,000 acres of agricultural lands).
- Installation of new tube Wells.
- Flood protection Schemes.
- Construction of ponds (for storage).
- Restoration of Karez system of water storage and transportation.
- Health
- Construction of Hospitals/dispensaries.
- Posting of Medical/paramedical staff.
- Provision of equipment/medicines.
- Miscellaneous measures
- All the 29 Revenue Districts of Balochistan have successfully been converted from ‘B’ to ‘A’ areas.
- Bringing the entire Province under the jurisdiction of one law enforcement agency i.e. the Police would yield great benefits for the people of Balochistan.
- Besides going a long way in improving the law and order situation, it would also generate additional opportunities for the youth of Balochistan.
- Capacity building of rehabilitated IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) through payment of subsistence, rehabilitation grant @ Rs 20,000, 10 goats per family and provision of tractors, seeds and fertilizers, jobs in PPL and Schools and health facilities.
- Student completing 16 years of education will get stipend of Rs 10,000 per month for a year.
- Waiving off of agriculture loans up to Rs 300,000/-.
- Enhancement of quota from 3.5 to 5% for Federal employment.
- Introduced the concept of Oil City to attract the international investors and provide employment to locals of the area.
- 7,589 teachers recruited so far since 1999. 6,000 more being recruited shortly.
- 40,234 Lady Health Visitors recruited out of which 35,130 LHVs were appointed on contract in Family Planning Health Project.
- 12,308 youth recruited in Police Department, another 9,000 are being recruited.
- 10,141 individuals recruited in District Governments and approximately 10,000 more are being recruited shortly.
- 58,225 job opportunities offered in various departments e.g. forest, Local Government Agriculture, General Administration etc.
- Nearly 2,300 individuals were provided loans of Rs 210,000 each by NBP for procurement of Rickshaws under President’s Rozgar Scheme. 2,500 other cases were processed.
- 30,000 vacancies were created for Baloch youth in FC.
- Due to pragmatic policies of his Government, the number of soldiers and officers joining Armed Forces for Balochistan had increased manifold.
- 5 new universities established. 2 universities (at Naseerabad and Gawadar) were being established.
- 9 Engineering Universities were being established in collaboration with industrially advanced countries.
- 58 colleges and 556 schools were opened.
- 1,239 appointments made in universities.
- 5,483 students enrolled.
- Rs 88.50 million provided to district Governments for onward disbursement to needy students.
- 3,250,537 students provided with free books.
- Rs 438 million allocated for provision of missing facilities in educational institutions of the Province.
- 7x New cadet colleges are being established shortly.
- 1000 x scholarships for Baloch Students in best schools/colleges of the city with free lodging and boarding.
- 6 x new buses for Balochistan University.
- Rs 514 million provided as micro-credit loans by Zarai Taraqiati Bank and Khushhali Bank. All banks are allowed to award micro-credits to needy people for small business schemes.
- Rs 4,026 million provide as agricultural loans to needy farmers.
- Provincial Bait-ul-Mal has disbursed Rs 950 million among 603,648 needy families since 1999.
- 2,122 development schemes have been launched since 1999 through Provincial ADPs for which Rs 59.91 billion have been allocated by the provincial Government and Rs 18.59 billion have been provided by foreign donors as aid.
- 6,378.68 Kms of roads black topped.
- 1,560 Kms of shingle roads
- 194 Kms farm-to-market roads.
- B. Punjab
- 70,000 teachers appointed.
- 4,800 LHVs appointed.
- 37,495 persons appointed in Police Department.
- 6.6 million persons given jobs in new businesses/industries.
- 43,220 persons given jobs in various departments.
- 18 new Universities/Degree Awarding Institutions (DAIs) opened.
- 6,108 schools/colleges opened.
- 1.2 million students were given stipends.
- 28 million students provided with books free of cost.
- 118,276 missing facilities provided.
- Rs 10.94 billion disbursed as microcredit.
- Rs 592.41 billion given as an agricultural loan.
- 96,362 persons supported by Bait-ul-Mal.
- 15,874 development schemes executed.
- 4,815 Kms of roads.
- 5,041 Kms of farm-to-market roads.
- C. Sindh
- 20,182 Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) appointed.
- 9,035 persons appointed in Police Department.
- 7,001 persons given jobs in various departments.
- 29 new Universities/Degree Awarding Institutions (DAIs) opened.
- 4,369 schools/colleges opened.
- 23,945 students were given stipends.
- 165,000 students provided with books free of cost.
- 1,733 missing facilities provided.
- 9,201 development schemes executed.
- 1,303 Kms of roads.
- 946 Kms of farm-to-market roads.
- 2,606 Kms of roads improved.
- 626 roads/accesses constructed in rural areas.
- D. NWFP
- 28,737 teachers appointed.
- 15 LHVs appointed.
- 14,890 persons appointed in Police Department.
- 57,163 persons given jobs in various departments.
- 15 new universities/DAIs opened.
- 2,996 schools/colleges opened.
- 32,000 students were given stipends.
- 15.6 million students provided with books free of cost.
- 6,570 missing facilities provided.
- 7,054 development schemes executed.
- 174.56 Kms of roads.
- E. Northern Areas
- 1,783 teachers appointed.
- 142 LHVs appointed.
- 1,717 appointed in Police Department.
- 17,327 job opportunities created in new business/industries.
- 9,476 persons appointed in various departments.
- One new university opened.
- 332 schools/colleges opened.
- 32,000 students were given stipends.
- 15.6 million students provided with books free of cost.
- 6,570 missing facilities provided.
- 7,054 development schemes executed.
- 621 Kms of metalled (truckable) roads.
- 280 Kms of farm-to-market shingle roads.
- 235 Kms of jeepable shingle roads.
- 493 truckable shingle roads.
- F. FATA
- 11,727 teachers appointed.
- 351 LHVs appointed.
- 370 new job opportunities created in new businesses/industries.
- 6,155 persons given jobs in various departments.
- 509 schools/colleges opened.
- 153,564 students were given stipends.
- 1.300 million students provided with books free of cost.
- 10,193 missing facilities provided.
- Agricultural loans worth Rs 782.562 million extended.
- 12,973 new development schemes executed.
- 534.73 Kms of shingle roads.
- 872.19 Kms of blacktopped roads.
- 322.605 Kms of improvement of roads.
- 432.693 Kms of roads in Agencies/Frontier Regions.
- Economic recovery result of prudent macro-economic policies, wide-ranging structural reforms, fiscal discipline and consistency in policies.
- The economy has performed robustly over the last several years with GDP growth touching a record level of 9% in 2004-05.
- External debt and foreign exchange liabilities grew at an average of 7.4% per annum during 1990-99, rising from $ 20.5 billion in 1990 to $ 38.9 billion by June 1999.
- If this trend had continued, Pakistan's external debt and liabilities would have been over $ 60 billion instead of the current level of $ 38.86 billion.
- External Debt and Liabilities (EDL) as % of GDP, which fluctuated between 51% and 66.3% during the period from 1988-99; fluctuated between 42.6% (2002-03) and 27.1% (2006-07).
- The exchange rate had been stable hovering around Rs 60 per dollar.
- Foreign exchange reserves have crossed US$ 16 billion mark and the increased reserves can now finance more than 31 weeks of imports against only 10 weeks in 1998-99.
- Revenue collections increased from Rs 347 billion in 1999 to Rs 841.4 billion.
- Extra fiscal space allowed us to increase PSDP from Rs 116 billion in 1999 to Rs 520 billion in 2007-08.
Economic AchievementsGeneral:Revenue CollectionsGDPFDIMicro Credits and LoansStock MarketState of Foreign DebtAgricultureRemittancesPresident’s Programme for Improvement of WatercoursesTotal watercourses to be improved86,000- 90,000Watercourses improved41,459 (against a target of 38,200)Target for next two years48,541Funds spentRs 21,653 millionFunds to be spentRs. 29,000 millionSocial Sector AchievementsHealth SectorClinics to be set up in next two years815 (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta).Estimated costRs 1.548 billion (Federal Govt. to fund establishment charges for three years).Education SpreadWomen EmpowermentLegal and Social Empowerment of WomenPoverty AlleviationEmployment opportunitiesInfrastructure DevelopmentMega ProjectsElectricity and Gas Supply – 1999-2007Village Electrification (WAPDA):In 1999 In 20071,400 14,000Gas supply:Clean Drinking Water ProgrammeTelecomTelephone connections2001-02 2006-07Fixed line 3.7 7Mobile 1.6 62Teledensity 3.3% 45%Total Length of Roads Constructed4,575.7 Kms of roads constructed by NHA at a total cost of Rs 90.9 billion.PSDP AllocationsObjectives and Challenges in the Foreign Policy– To promote a peaceful environment regionally and internationally that is conducive to tasks of socio- economic and technological development of Pakistan to build a strong, progressive prosperous moderate Islamic society consistent with the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam.– To build relations and international cooperation that helps socio-economic progress and a strong defence.– To seek peaceful resolution of disputes especially Jammu and Kashmir.– To promote causes espoused by the Muslim Ummah and support international endeavours especially for the progress and rights of the developing countries– To project the correct image of Pakistan abroad.– To promote Pakistan as a hub of economic and communication activities leveraging its strategic location at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia.Regional Peace and SecurityRelations with India– Building tension free relations with India is in the interest of both countries and the region.– Kashmir is at the heart of the past conflict and tension between Pakistan and India. The President initiated the peace process which aimed at confidence building measures as well as resolution of disputes. The atmosphere in bilateral relations has since improved which is important for both countries.– We are making efforts to resolve Kashmir. The President had put forward his ideas for a solution which is acceptable to all three Parties especially Kashmiris. This is possible, given sincerity, flexibility and courage on the part of leadership in both countries.– The ideas relate to defining regions of Kashmir, self-governance, demilitarization and joint mechanism. It is important that Kashmiris should be free to manage their affairs and interact with each other. President initiated ideas for the bus service and opening of five routes across the LoC.– These ideas have generated positive resonance among the Kashmiris. The President had interacted with leaders of APHC on a number of occasions who supported the President’s ideas.– Pakistan is ready to show flexibility and move forward depending on Indian reciprocity.– We also want to move forward on resolution of issues including Siachen and Sir Creek in a positive manner.– The best confidence building is the ability to resolve problems.– Trade between Pakistan and India has increased. But trade and interaction especially in cultural areas depend on trust and confidence.– We want to maintain the peace process and hope for early settlement of disputes which could turn a new page of peace, understanding and cooperation in South Asia.Afghanistan– No country has greater stake than Pakistan in peace, stability and prosperity of Afghanistan. Our vision for transforming Pakistan into a hub of economic activity with linkages to Central Asia cannot be realized without stable Afghanistan.– We would not allow our territory to be used by elements that want to destabilize Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan has suffered an unfortunate history in the past thirty years which has gravely impacted on Pakistan. Today both countries are facing challenges of terrorism and extremism as a result of forces that are product of this unfortunate history.– In order to address the problems we need to understand ground realities. The main problem has been in Afghanistan in the shape of Taliban militancy, drugs, war-lords and absence of national reconciliation. There is some support from our side of the border especially from FATA to the Taliban and other militant elements inside Afghanistan. On our part we are committed to stop such cross border support.– We have taken measures and made sacrifices. We have deployed our forces. The Afghan army and the multi-national forces have same responsibility to stop the movement of undesirable elements across the border.FATA– Our Tribal Areas have been affected by the Afghan Jihad which had generated forces of extremism. After 9/11, Al-Qaeda escaped to our areas placing a heavy responsibility on us to counter this challenge.– We have adopted a comprehensive strategy for FATA to counter terrorism and extremism. Military action is only one part of the strategy. Political measures and socio-economic development are other important elements.– However, it is our responsibility that FATA or any other area is not used against Afghanistan or by any elements against any country. On this count the world has an expectation from Pakistan. We are also working with tribal elders to ensure that the tribal territory is not used by militants for violence and terrorism.– The actions that we are taking are in the interest of Pakistan’s security and development. Our policy is not at the behest of any out side country. The comment in the international media or in some foreign circles that Pakistan should do more is not relevant as we are doing whatever is in our best interest. We understand that the world has a stake in our success because there is a common challenge. But our strategy to meet the challenge will be dictated by our interests and what we determine is the most effective way forward.Afghan Jirga– The recent Afghan Jirga has been a positive development particularly the decision by the Jirga to constitute a 50 member Council (25 from each side) which inter alia is mandated to talk to “opposition” for peace in the area.– The President had himself attended the concluding session.– At the Jirga as well as in other meetings, the two countries have also agreed not to provide shelter to subversive and anti-state elements from either side. There is also need to stop exchanging accusations against each other. What is needed is cooperation to counter the common challenges. The Jirga has registered success in that direction.– Pakistan-Afghan trade is close to 1.2 billion dollars. Pakistan has contributed US $ 300 million for reconstruction and rehabilitation inside Afghanistan. Half of this amount was disbursed on projects that were completed including the Torkham-Jalalabad road.Extremism and Terrorism– We need to counter the danger of extremism and terrorism for our own sake, for the stability and progress of our society.– The international community also has expectation from us in this regard. We can differ on the approach to counter these forces but everyone rejects violence, terrorism and extremism.– Extremism is a state of mind. There is need for a comprehensive strategy that combines political and administrative measures, socio-economic development and military action for an effective strategy.Relations with United States– It is an important relationship which is not limited to cooperation in counter-terrorism. After the EU, the US is the largest trading partner of Pakistan. We have large US investments in the country and there is nearly one million strong Pakistani expatriate community in the United States.– The US also desires long term sustainable, strong, strategic relations with Pakistan. In developing this relationship, both countries ought to remain sensitive to each other.– The notion that Pakistan’s policies are influenced by the United States is wrong. Our foreign policy is shaped primarily by our own national interests. However, in determining our interests we have to understand the regional and global environment and our relations with other countries.– Our independent policy is evident in our refusal to contribute troops in Iraq or our position on Iran which opposes use of force or our position on IPI or our position on peaceful use of nuclear technology.– We also have differences of perception with the United States. For addressing terrorism, we insist on addressing the root causes. But these differences should not imply that we adopt a course of confrontation with the Untied States or for that matter with any country. Such an option would be disastrous in today’s world.– (In response to questions about perceived US involvement in Pakistan’s affairs, it may be mentioned that friendly countries are interested in political stability and progress in Pakistan. They have an interest in the political developments in Pakistan. However, these developments are determined by ground realities in the country. The government’s strength is primarily derived from what it has achieved in the country.)Relations with China– Relations with China are strong and stable and are continuously growing in all aspects. There is unprecedented level of Chinese investments in Pakistan especially in the telecom sector, construction and mining. China has constructed the Gwadar port and are upgrading KKH. Chinese firms are engaged in construction of dams, raising the height of Mangla and other similar projects. Pakistan and China has signed an FTA. In the defence field, we are cooperating on important joint projects including JF-17 aircraft and production of tanks. China remains our reliable partner.Iran– We have traditional close friendly ties with Iran.– We support Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy within the framework of its obligations of the NPT. We are opposed to use of force in the Iran-US standoff on nuclear issues.– Pakistan is engaged in important negotiations on the Gas Pipeline project (IPI Project).Relations with Islamic countries– We enjoy close brotherly ties with brotherly Islamic countries and play an active role within the OIC.– The President had visited number of Islamic countries (Arab and non-Arab countries) in an effort to bring focus on the Middle East situation specially the problems of Palestine and Iraq and the rising confrontation in the Gulf region. The President was subsequently invited to address the Arab League Summit in Riyadh.– We have special relations with the Gulf countries which regard Pakistan as an important anchor of stability in the region.– The President has made efforts to reform and strengthen the OIC.South East Asia and Pacific Regions– In October 2003 Pakistan launched Vision East Asia policy with a focus on building Pakistan’s relations with countries of the region. Pakistan became a member of Asian Regional Forum and signed a treaty of Amity and Cooperation with the ASEAN. Pakistan was invited to Asia-Europe meeting in September 2006 and remains an active member of Asia Cooperative Dialogue (ACD). Pakistan had hosted the Fourth ACD meeting in Islamabad in April 2005.– Pakistan has strong relations with Japan and South Korea. Japan has a large ODA programme in Pakistan and is one of the largest investor in the country.New openings in Africa and Latin America– President had visited Brazil, Argentina and Mexico in 2004 and has concluded several agreements with these countries. Following the visit, Pakistan signed an agreement with MERCOSUR in July 2006 providing a framework for economic cooperation with Latin American countries.– Pakistan is actively expanding its interaction and relations specially trade with African countries.The United NationsPakistan continues to play an active role in the United Nations and other international forums. Pakistan remained member of the Security Council 2003-2004 and held the Presidency of ECOSOC in 2005 and is presently the Chairman of G-77.Provinces Specific DataDevelopment ProjectsDamsCommunication InfrastructureEmployment OpportunitiesLiteracy DrivePoverty AlleviationNew Roads ConstructedEmployment OpportunitiesLiteracy SpreadPoverty AlleviationNew Roads ConstructedEmployment OpportunitiesLiteracy SpreadPoverty AlleviationNew Roads ConstructedEmployment OpportunitiesLiteracy SpreadPoverty AlleviationNew Roads ConstructedEmployment OpportunitiesLiteracy SpreadPoverty AlleviationNew Roads ConstructedEmployment OpportunitiesLiteracy SpreadPoverty AlleviationNew Roads Constructed******Economic Achievements
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