Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme: all-out efforts under way to attract investment: Firdous

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan on Saturday said that government would take all possible measures to attract investment to the "Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme (NPHS)". Awan, while speaking to media persons at an event here, said that measures were afoot to ensure investments and investors could be safeguarded and given better opportunities.

She assured that the government was the guardian of each and every penny of the taxpayers. The PM's special assistant also said that those investing in the affordable housing project would be given all possible support. The construction of houses under the scheme has begun.

Under this scheme, the houses will be handed over to the deserving persons on easy conditions and reasonable rates. Earlier on Saturday, the special assistant said sports had helped soften the image of Pakistan internationally, which had enhanced tourism altogether.

Meanwhile, talking to the media at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, she said that Pakistan had revived its image positively and in the right direction. "Pakistan's positive and peaceful image has become known as a result of efforts and the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Awan maintained.

"The world has begun to accept Prime Minister Imran Khan's narrative that Pakistan is a peace-loving country," she said, while adding that the other countries were now softening their travel advisories for Pakistan, which would help promote tourism in the country.

Awan expressed satisfaction over the revival of cricket in Pakistan and expressed the confidence that more international teams would now visit Pakistan.

She expressed her gratitude for the Bangladesh Cricket Board and its government for sending their team to Pakistan regardless of the negative Indian propaganda against Pakistan.

She said, "Bangladesh has fulfilled its commitment and this has delivered a message to the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country and the people of the country have great love for cricket."

Awan said that the government was committed to exploiting the potential and talent of its youth in various sports. She said, "We are cognizant of the importance of sports for promotion of positivity and in fighting intolerance in the society."

The PM's special assistant said that restructuring had been done in cricket and improvements would also be brought in other games such as hockey, football and boxing.

Responding to a question, she said that given the current situation in occupied Kashmir where innocent Kashmiris were being subjected to worst form of atrocities by the Indian forces, cricket ties between Pakistan and India were not possible.

Awan demanded India to immediately lift curfew in the occupied valley. The special assistant also thanked the UN resident coordinator in Pakistan for transmitting the voice raised by Pakistani people against Indian atrocities and blatant human rights violations in occupied Kashmir to the highest world forum.