Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the current coalition government under the leadership of Muslim League (N) has taken strict measures to restore the economy.
Speaking to the Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy in Washington, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan is keen to strengthen its relations with America in the future.
Commenting on the flood victims, Bilawal said that measures are being taken for their rehabilitation. The Minister said that the large-scale floods have caused great destruction in Pakistan, hoping that the international community will support the country in this critical time.
The foreign minister said that more than 33 million people were affected by the floods, adding that epidemic diseases spread by the floods added to the hardships of the victims.
Reacting to US Secretary of State Antony Blanken’s remarks regarding getting debt relief from China, Bilawal said that his all-weather friend China has always helped Pakistan in difficult times. He said that Pakistan’s relations with China are multifaceted.
He said that Islamabad has played the role of a bridge to bring China and America closer. He pointed out that unless the two countries work together, it will be difficult to deal with the ravages of climate change.
“I also urged my colleagues to involve China in some important matters of debt relief and restructuring so that Pakistan can recover quickly from the floods,” Blanken had said.
In response to another question regarding the appointment of the next Army Chief, Bilawal Bhutto said that the power to appoint the Army Chief rests with the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He also said that all institutions in Pakistan are independent.
In response to another question, Bilawal Bhutto said that India has not offered us any help in flood relief and neither does Pakistan expect it. However, Islamabad is keen on constructive relations with its neighbours.
He also said that Pakistan wants a peaceful Afghanistan as neighboring countries have suffered losses due to war in Afghanistan.
In response to a question, Bilawal Bhutto said that democracy is better than military dictatorship in any form. He said that we believe in democratic traditions. And, we will not support undemocratic measures.
He said that the democratically elected government believes in freedom of media.
