Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi says Pakistan needs a strong economy for effective foreign policy and the government is focusing on priorities at this front.

Talking to American-Pakistani Entrepreneurs in New York, he said we are encouraging foreign investors to invest in Pakistan.

He said there has been a historic increase in foreign remittances this year and the credit goes to Pakistanis living abroad.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan has received over one billion dollars remittance during six months after launching of Roshan Digital Pakistan initiative.

He said the government has initiated e-visa regime to promote tourism in the country.

The Foreign Minister said the government has decided to give right of vote to overseas Pakistanis so that they can play a role in decision-making in the political system.

He said we have set up a Strategic Communications Division under Public Diplomacy for effective publicity of national narrative.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister also interacted with the US Democrat, Chris Van Hollen and exchanged views on different matters of bilateral interest and situation in the region.  

Talking to the US Democrat Senator, he said that pivot of Pakistan's policy is geo economic priorities and Islamabad wants close economic and trade relations with the United States.

The Foreign Minister also apprised Chris Hollen about Pakistan reconciliatory efforts for a peaceful and political settlement of the Afghan issue.

Thanking the US Democrat about introducing legislation regarding Reconciliation of Opportunity Zones, said it will help achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

On the occasion, Democrat Senator Chris Hollen appreciated Pakistan's sincere efforts to ensure peace in Afghanistan and in the region. He also pointed out importance of promotion of economic interaction between Pakistan and the United States.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has left the United States for returning home after successfully completing his visit with reference to a Palestine diplomatic peace mission that he undertook on special instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed Khan and senior officials bid a farewell to the Foreign Minister.