ISLAMABAD:Speaker National Asad Qaiser has underlined the need for Rebranding Pakistan’s soft image.
He said a concerted effort should be made to project Pakistan’s soft image on international stage to attract investment, tourism and ideas.
He expressed these views while talking to Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce Ms Shandana Gulzar Khan who called on him at Speaker House on Tuesday.
The Speaker highlighted that a sustained propaganda and tense regional situation equated Pakistan’s image with terrorism and violent extremism.
This image has distorted Pakistan’s truly diverse, vibrant and peaceful image and underestimated Pakistan’s diversity and market potential.
He emphatically stressed the need for new narrative for promoting Pakistan’s cultural, economic and democratic credentials.
He added that the political leadership across the board should take the complete ownership of the new soft image building narrative of Pakistan.
He assured complete cooperation and support to government for Pakistan’s renewed branding and added that the Parliament will take a lead role in this initiative.
He said newly formed Parliamentary Friendship Groups will add a new impetus to Pakistan’s parliamentary diplomacy and endeavors for promoting international trade.
He assured that Parliament will leave no stone unturned to assist the government in reducing Pakistan’s trade deficit.
He reiterated that the National Assembly will conduct monthly progress review of the Friendship Groups and high performing groups will be rewarded incentives.
Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce Ms Shandana Gulzar seconded the Speaker and added that a grossly misrepresented image severely dinted Pakistan’s exports and ability to attract investors.
She highlighted that despite immense potential for products diversification and low cost, Pakistani exports could not find a truly deserving space in international market due to its image.
She revealed that PTI government is designing a coherent, comprehensive and multi-stakeholders long term strategy to rebuild Pakistan’s soft image. She added that the role of the Parliament is central to the new image building strategy.