NEW YORK: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says today’s Pakistan is far better than the Pakistan of 2013 due to policies and measures taken by the present Government.

Interacting with members of Pakistani community in New York, he said Pakistan is viewed as politically stable, more secured and economically vibrant country in the comity of nations.

The Prime Minister said country is emerging as the fastest growing economy in Asia and it has been duly acknowledged by the International Financial Institutions, Rating Agencies and renowned publications globally.

He said we have been focusing our energies entirely on eradicating terrorism and extremism from our country, revival of economy and achieving energy self-sufficiency.  He pointed out that security situation in the country has improved a great deal due to the unmatched and relentless sacrifices of the security institutions, Law Enforcement Agencies, Police personnel backed by the unflinching resolve of the entire nation.

He said we launched Zarb-i-Azb and National Action Plan after evolving a national consensus; Terrorism is receding from the country and hoped that we will rid the country from this cancer soon.

He said different energy projects are satisfactorily being executed in different parts of the country and around 10000 MWs of electricity will be added to the national grid by the start of 2018.  He said we will honor our commitment to the people of Pakistan by eliminating load shedding from the country before the end of our tenure in the government.

Nawaz Sharif said the Government has launched massive infrastructure development projects worth more than 850 billion rupees across the length and breadth of the country.  He said no province or region is left behind in the process of development. he said He will make it sure that all parts of the country reap equal benefits from the process of development.

The Prime Minister said that CPEC will not only be a game changer but also the fate changer for the entire region. The Corridor will result into establishment of economic zones and generate employment opportunities across the country as well as significantly reducing poverty.

He said there is a reason to hope for the bright future of Pakistan now. He said we will further consolidate the socio-economic as well as internal security gains with the backing of the entire nation.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan will continue to support the indigenous and peaceful struggle of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir for the exercise of their right to self-determination morally, diplomatically and politically.

He reiterated that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realization of the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UNSC relevant resolutions and according to the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people. He said India should realize that it will have to immediately end human rights violations in IOK and must understand that will of the people has to be established.