Ishaq Dar apprises Donald Blome about on-going post-flood reconstruction & rehabilitation projects being undertaken by govt

ISLAMABAD, Dec 06, (SABAH): Donald Blome, Ambassador of the United Stated of America to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday.

SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Finance and other senior officers from Finance Division participated in the meeting. The Finance Minister welcomed Donald Blome and highlighted the historic and durable bilateral relations with the United States on economic and trade front. The Finance Minister apprised the US Ambassador about the on-going post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation projects being undertaken by the present government. It was also shared that present government is highly concerned about the well-being of masses therefore a number of measures are being undertaken in this regard. Both sides shared other matters of common interest as well during the meeting.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar apprised the US Ambassador about the government’s comprehensive and pragmatic plans in terms of revenues and expenditures for meeting its national as well as international financial obligations. Donald Blome reciprocated same sentiments on bilateral relations between United States of America and Pakistan. He acknowledged the huge level of economic losses being faced by Pakistan due to flood crisis and shared that US government stands with Pakistan in such testing times.

The Finance Minister commended the support of United States and stated that US has always been a great support Pakistan during tough times. The Finance Minister shared various economic avenues in which both countries can further deepen their economic relations. In conclusion, the Finance Minister thanked Donald Blome for his support to Pakistan.

Meanwhile British High Commissioner, Dr. Christian Turner along with UNDP Consultant Sir Michael Barber called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at Finance Division on Tuesday. SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Finance and other senior officers from Finance Division participated in the meeting.

The Finance Minister extended his warm welcome to the British High Commissioner and UNDP Consultant Sir Michael Barber and apprised them about the overall economic outlook of the country. It was shared that Pakistan is meeting its external financial obligations and has recently repaid a $1 billion bond. The Finance Minister also shared the on-going post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation program and shared that overall reconstruction and rehabilitation phase is going to take 5-7 FY. It was also mentioned that present government has a comprehensive and pragmatic program in terms of revenues and expenditures for meeting its national as well as international financial obligations.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also briefed about the policies and measures being undertaken by the present government for safeguarding the vulnerable segments of society. It was shared that the present government aims to ensure economic and fiscal stability leading to economic recovery and growth. Other matters of common interest were also discussed during the meeting.

High Commissioner Dr. Christian Turner commended the practical measures being undertaken by the present government and offered all possible help from the British Government for the people of Pakistan in mitigating the socio-economic impacts of post-flood crisis. The Finance Minister thanked the British High Commissioner for his cooperation and support.