ISLAMABAD, June 29: President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday asked Pakistani envoys to proactively pursue economic diplomacy, highlight Pakistan’s geo-political location in the region and project the positive developments of the country.

He spent almost seven hours at the Foreign Office where he had a candid interactive session with participants of the Envoys Conference, covering all aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policy and national security.

His most significant message was that Pakistan had achieved its credible minimum deterrence. Therefore, there was no need to be apprehensive about the Indo-US nuclear deal, it is learnt.

Gen Musharraf made an almost two-hour presentation after Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri gave an overview of the discussions and Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan presented comprehensive recommendations made by the envoys.

The meeting also discussed about fielding a candidate for the UN’s top post of secretary-general, but there was no final word on it, sources told Dawn.

The matter was under consideration, said one participant.

The president also stressed the importance of deepening relations with major powers, continuing the peace process with India and resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and further strengthening relations with the Muslim world, a statement issued by the Foreign Office said.

He directed the envoys to particularly focus on four priority areas: expanding economic, trade and investment opportunities for Pakistan; leveraging Pakistan’s geo-political location for economic linkages with major regions; enhancing interaction with the international media; and mobilising the Pakistani community for the country’s projection, it said.

The president also directed the envoys to project the positive changes taking place in Pakistan, including strong economic growth, investment-friendly environment, social sector developments, promotion and protection of human rights, empowerment of women and minorities, and growth of cultural activities in Pakistan, the FO statement added.

He underscored the potential of Pakistan to offer energy corridors and become a hub of economic activity in the region.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s policies to fight terrorism and extremism, and promote enlightened moderation, he said it was because of the Islamabad’s efforts that the country was recognised as an important state.