Sharif promises thorough review of national security, foreign policy if voted to power

Islamabad, Mar. 22 : Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has vowed to carry out a thorough and comprehensive review of national security and foreign policy if his party is voted to power in the forthcoming general elections.

Sharif, while speaking to European ambassadors at a luncheon, said that review of the whole paradigm of national security and foreign policy is to bring it in consonance with the hopes and aspirations of the people, reports the Daily Times.

The PML-N chief added that his party would make concerted efforts to enhance and strengthen Pakistan's relations with its proven and time-tested friends, while at the same time pursuing a policy of normalisation with countries with which Pakistan has differences.

He also emphasised that political ties with foreign countries would be reinforced by economic and commercial linkages.

He called upon the European ambassadors to assist in promoting trade and investment in Pakistan, as this would not only strengthen the country' s economy but its domestic institutions as well.

Sharif emphasised that his party's highest priority would be the country's economy, with special focus on both immediate as well as long-term measures, to ensure an early end to the crippling energy shortages that have most adversely impacted on the national economy.

German Ambassador Dr Cyrill Nunn said that European countries viewed Pakistan as an important country, adding that European countries would seek to enhance their ties with Pakistan, especially in the economic sphere.