Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said Pakistan's foreign policy is guided by national interests, pragmatism and constructive engagement.
Addressing a convocation of Fazaia Medical College in Islamabad on Thursday, he said we have worked day and night towards the betterment of Pakistan's relations with all international partners.
"It is a matter of great satisfaction that despite enormous challenges faced by Pakistan on national, international and economic fronts, we have been able to advance foreign policy interests of Pakistan,” he said.
FM said the government looks forward to partnering with the international community to build a Climate Resilient Pakistan.
He said that the recent achievements on the diplomatic front, he said include Pakistan’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and global recognition of Pakistan's leadership at G77 in China.
"When we gathered at the international convention for climate resilient Pakistan, the entire international community stood shoulder to shoulder to Pakistan," he added.
FM Bilawal said that the the recent SCO meeting in Goa, India was a testimony of Pakistan’s strong resolve to proactively pursue the country’s foreign policy interests, and traditional areas like national security, galvanizing international support on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Bilawal said.
The foreign minister was also appreciative of all branches of the armed forces for providing medical relief during natural disasters.
He said their participation in disaster relief operations is well acknowledged internationally and is a valuable means of public diplomacy for Pakistan.
The foreign minister urged all the medical professionals and institutions in the country to keep upgrading their skills in the medical field.
He said said despite limited resources, Pakistan was able to position itself as a hub for medical treatment and services in the region.
FM Bilawal said Pakistan handled COVID-19 in a far better way than its neighboring countries including India.
"Pakistan had low resources, but due to hard work by the professional medical teams, it managed the pandemic in a better way and earned international prestige," he said.
The foreign minister said the ministry of foreign affairs was ready to play its due role in facilitating the international partnership in healthcare cooperation.
He said the export of high-end surgical and medical equipment and products of other avenues would enable Pakistan to qualify in the league of high-technology exporters and to this end.
The minister also urged the country’s industry and academia to proactively strengthen their linkages.
FM Bilawal informed that despite low resources, the Sindh government in particular had managed to build state-of-the-art international standard health institutes in the province that were providing free medical facilities to the general public.
"In Gambat area of Khairpur district, the provincial government has established the internationally recognized hospital where patients from across the country are availing free liver, kidney, bone marrow and lung transplant facilities," he said.
Bilawal added that the National Institute for Cardio-vascular diseases in Karachi was also providing treatment of heart-related diseases free of charge.
"In every district of Sindh, satellite healthcare centers had also been established to provide emergency treatment to heart patients and children," he said.
The foreign minister said after the COVID pandemic, the government had also established the first-ever infectious disease hospital in Karachi where free treatment is being provided.
Congratulating the successful graduates, he asked them to support the government in their efforts to develop high-value services for the people.