CHINIOT, Oct 25 (APP):Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh has said Pakistan is making concerted diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and promote peace and stability in the region. Speaking to the media during a medical camp in Khokhranwala, Chiniot on Sunday , he said the prevailing regional situation was affecting economies, trade and the daily lives of people across the region. He stressed that all parties should exercise restraint to prevent further escalation and underscored the collective responsibility of the Muslim Ummah to protect the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah. He said Pakistan remained committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in this regard.
The minister said regional peace and the restoration of normal trade were vital for Pakistan’s economy, which was already facing multiple challenges, including trade barriers with Afghanistan and India. He also emphasised the importance of opening trade routes with neighbouring countries, including Iran, to expand import and export opportunities, attract investment and improve Pakistan’s access to markets in Western Asia. He said lasting peace would help revive commercial activities and strengthen regional economic cooperation.
Regarding healthcare concerns in Chiniot, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh expressed concern over reports of a high number of hepatitis cases in the area, saying retesting was underway to verify the situation and establish the actual extent of the problem. He pointed to the possible role of inadequate access to clean drinking water and stressed the need for urgent attention. He said he would keep the relevant authorities informed to help develop a lasting solution, adding that patients should have access to timely diagnosis, medicines, specialist doctors and adequate hospital facilities. He also called for more medical camps to provide healthcare services directly to local communities.
The federal minister stressed that health and education, particularly for children, should remain among the government’s foremost priorities. He said investment in these sectors was essential for the country’s future and called for additional resources to improve services in underdeveloped areas. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding basic healthcare facilities, ensuring timely treatment and strengthening the health and education systems to improve public welfare.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
