Pakistan’s diplomatic role strengthening global standing: Ali Musa Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) MNA Syed Ali Musa Gilani on Wednesday praised the country’s political and military leadership for enhancing Pakistan’s diplomatic influence and promoting peace in the region.

Speaking during the National Assembly’s budget debate, Gilani said Pakistan had emerged as a responsible regional player through its diplomatic efforts and contributions to conflict resolution.

He said Pakistan had gained greater international recognition under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

He congratulated the country’s political and military leadership on Pakistan’s growing global profile.

The PPP lawmaker cited Pakistan’s participation in international peace initiatives, defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and its role in facilitating dialogue among regional and global powers as examples of the country’s increasing diplomatic importance.

Expressing optimism about the economy, he said greater regional stability and the possible easing of sanctions on Iran could help attract foreign direct investment and improve investor confidence in Pakistan.

Referring to domestic issues, Gilani said Pakistan would continue supporting the Kashmir cause while also addressing internal political challenges through dialogue and engagement.

He stressed that lasting peace and stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir required both security measures and a stronger political process.

On Balochistan, he proposed that allocated funds should be invested in the province’s development.

He suggested that local communities should receive a direct share in the benefits generated from major projects such as Gwadar Port and the Reko Diq mining project.

He said the government could use demographic data available with NADRA to design a mechanism for providing financial benefits to households in resource-producing areas, thereby increasing local participation in development projects.

Highlighting challenges in the health sector, Gilani expressed concern over the less medical facilities, including neonatal care services, incubators, ventilators and specialised treatment centres across the country.

He said health spending remained inadequate considering Pakistan’s population and public health needs, and called for a substantial increase in allocations for the sector.

The PPP lawmaker also urged the government to expand social protection programmes and improve access to treatment for serious diseases, including cancer, liver, kidney and heart ailments.

He said development projects should not come at the expense of citizens’ basic right to healthcare, adding that ensuring access to quality medical treatment was a fundamental responsibility of the state.