Govt launching biggest action against money laundering: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is going to take biggest action against money laundering in the history of the country.

Addressing a Diplomats Conference in Islamabad on Friday, he said, “I wanted to make it clear that there is no crisis in the country now, however, the government is facing number of challenges and teamwork is needed to get out of these challenges.”

The prime minister said that we need to change our mindset as Pakistan cannot be run like this, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be the first to change its mindset.

He said that the nation needs to change its mindset of depending on others and make coordinated national efforts to convert the current challenges at different fronts into opportunities.

Imran Khan said that all actions of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are in Pakistan’s interest, adding that this international institution wants an end to money laundering and armed groups.

“The government is going to launch biggest action in the history of the country against money laundering,” he added.

The prime minister said: “Those involved in the smuggling of dollars should start counting their days as those involved in money laundering won’t be spared.”

PM Imran regretted that our elites have ditched the country at international level for their own vested interest. He said past rulers projected themselves as progressive and painted rest of the nation as extremist, causing an enormous damage to the national image.

Highlighting importance of expatriates, the Prime Minister said overseas Pakistanis are our great asset, which needs to be better utilized.

He said Pakistani embassies abroad should extend every possible assistance and cooperation to Pakistani workers and diaspora convincing them to invest in their home country.

Imran Khan stressed the need for vigorous efforts to enhance exports and Pakistani envoys should explore new avenues like Africa and Latin America for Pakistani products.

"Pakistan is a fertile territory for investment making it the most attractive place for business," he said and added the government believes in providing cordial atmosphere for ease of doing business.

He said wealth creation is necessary for job opportunities and prosperity and the government will stand by the business people to enhance their profitability.