RAWALPINDI, March 2: German Ambassador Dr Gunter Mulack has criticized the international media for portraying a grim and violent picture of Pakistan. “World media is maligning Pakistan’s position internationally that is having negative impacts on trade and economic structure of the country”, the ambassador said while speaking to the members of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) during his visit to the chamber offices on Wednesday.

He said owing to the negative picture being highlighted by the international media the country’s reputation was not good for investment.

“People are unaware of the true picture of Pakistan and for investment businessmen look at the security and stability in the country.”

Dr Mulack said Pakistan had a right to protest against publication of sacrilegious caricatures but not in a violent manner.

He said the violence which erupted in Pakistan after cartoons issue had passed wrong signals to outer world. These violent demonstrations forced the cancellation of two trade delegations from Germany, he added.

The ambassador said Pakistan and Germany enjoyed longstanding and congenial economic relations especially in textile industry. The hub of business activities between the two countries is Karachi but now we are moving towards other cities like Lahore and Islamabad-Rawalpindi as well.

He said the two countries were also enjoying excellent political relations and a trade delegation from Pakistan including two ministers would visit Germany next month to take part in an international trade fair.

“Trade developments between Germany and Pakistan are good and we have 25 per cent increase in trade during last year, which is 25 per cent higher than the year 2004, whereas the trade development between Germany and India is 15 per cent.”

The German envoy told the RCCI members that we were trying to make trade delegations to come here and look at the possibilities of investment in Pakistan.

Dr Mulack said German chain of supermarkets — Metro — is planning to start its business in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The investment of Metro will be about 170 million euros.