Energy deficit will soon be a matter of past: Aizaz

Pakistan's new Ambassador to United States Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has said that energy deficit will soon be a matter of past. He expressed these views during a luncheon media interaction with DC based Pakistani journalists, said a press release on Saturday. Aizaz Chaudhry said, "The improved security situation and the economic reforms have led to a revival of the economy which is now growing at the rate of 4.7 percent. All economic indicators are pointing upwards."
"The resurgence in the economy is attracting investors from all across the world. Recently held Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit was a clear message that Pakistan stands for connectivity and regional cooperation for shared prosperity," he said.
He highlighted that, "Pakistan and the United States have a historic and multi faceted relationship spanning over seven decades. Pakistan is looking forward to work closely with the new US administration in order to further strengthen bilateral relations and to bring people from both the countries closer to each other." Ambassador Chaudhry informed the journalists that, "Today Pakistan is well on its way to a future of peace and prosperity. Leadership, Security forces and the people of Pakistan had demonstrated supreme resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country."
"Operation Zarb-e-Azab has achieved a resounding success. The tribal areas have been cleared from these hideouts created by terrorists. Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) have returned to their homes and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) are now being mainstreamed to the political governance of the country," he said.
He underlined that, "Peace has returned to Karachi and all across the length and breadth of the country. Several high officials including from the United States have visited and witnessed for themselves the gains of peace and security in Pakistan." Referring to a question regarding relations with Afghanistan, Ambassador Chaudhry mentioned that, "Peace in Afghanistan remains a high priority for the Government and people of Pakistan. Pakistan believes that Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan need to cooperate to stop cross border movement of terrorists." He underscored the importance of effective border management which is in common interest of both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Ambassador further informed the journalists that, "The recent initiative to reach out to the Afghan Government which led to a meeting between Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and Afghan National Security Advisor in London was an important step in the direction aiming at close coordination and cooperation between the two Governments."
In response to another question regarding his priorities as the Ambassador of Pakistan, Chaudhry stated that, "It was his Mission to further strengthen Pakistan's relations with the US and win friends for Pakistan in American polity." He said, "It is important for the world to see the positive constructive reality of today's Pakistan."
Underlining the important role that Pakistani American community is playing in the United States, Ambassador Chaudhry stated that, "In line with the directions of the leadership it would be his top priority to serve the community and address their issues and interests with missionary zeal."