He also said the government after having achieved macro-economic stability was now focused on achieving higher sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Secretary Kerry congratulated the Finance Minister on the economic recovery brought about by the government in Pakistan. He also recalled that his association with Senator Ishaq Dar went back to the days when he was Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.
The Finance Minister warmly acknowledged his association with Secretary Kerry which goes back many years and said that he considered him a friend and supporter of Pakistan and it was always a pleasure to work with him. The Finance Minister congratulated Secretary Kerry on his statement of this week on the Middle East peace process and Palestinian rights.
Secretary Kerry also said the President World Bank had recently informed him about Pakistan's complaint against India on the subject of Indus Waters Treaty. Secretary Kerry said the US would like to see an amicable solution to this issue. The Finance Minister said that Indus Waters Treaty was an international commitment and it was the responsibility of the World Bank to make sure that India honoured that Treaty and the water rights of hundreds of millions of people of Pakistan were protected. He said the Court of Arbitration was the legal requirement and appointment of the Chairman of the Court of Arbitration must be fulfilled by the World Bank.
Finance Minister said the President WB had been in touch with him in writing and also on telephone during the current month. Senator Dar indicated that US support on the principles and legal position of Pakistan would be greatly appreciated. The phone call ended with mutual exchange of good wishes and the Finance Minister and Secretary Kerry exchanged Season's Greetings and best wishes for the upcoming 2017.-PR