MULTAN: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the government would soon make new anti-money laundering legislation soon to hold elements involved in purchasing properties abroad through illegal transfer of money, accountable.
It was for the first time in the country's history that mafias looting national wealth were being taken to task, he said while addressing a ceremony here at the residence of Chairman Union Council-42 Chairman Malik Abbas Aaraen, according to a press release issued by his Babul Quraish media cell.
Qureshi said the Pakistan People's Party leaders were doing undue criticism of the incumbent government in order to conceal the corruption done by Asif Ali Zardari. The people knew that whenever the PPP came to power, its leaders looted national wealth and worked for their own interests instead of serving the country, he added.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) government was striving to make Pakistan a clean, green and prosperous country. It was devising policies, which would have far-reaching impact.
He said the government in its initial 100 days had set the direction and the people would feel positive change after some time. All the ministers had presented reports about the performance of their ministries before the cabinet. The minister said reforms were being introduced in almost all the government departments as part of good governance. The PTI government would honour the people's mandate by carrying out unprecedented developments works in the country during its five years term.
Qureshi said the government had not appointed a foreign minister. He, however, accepted the foreign ministry as a challenge. Now diplomatic contacts had increased both at regional and international levels.
Consultative meetings with experts on foreign affairs were being arranged, while opinions of the senior diplomats were also being sought to improve foreign relations, he added.
Qureshi said the Foreign Ministry had issued its 100-day performance report, which contained the successes, achieved during the visits of Prime Minister Imran Khan to different countries. It also highlighted discussions with the foreign delegations, who had visited Pakistan.
The prime minister and all the cabinet had appreciated the Foreign Ministry's performance, he added.
The foreign minister also visited some other areas of his constituency and held meetings with different notables.
He also condoled with journalist Zafar Aheer the death of his mother.
Member of Punjab Assembly Mazhar Abbas Rawan, ex-chairman Market Committee Malik Naseem Raan and Chairman PHA Ejaz Janjoa also accompanied the minister.
APP