ISLAMABAD, Feb 11: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Sunday that because of liberal, consistent and investment-friendly economic policies of the government, there would be a record direct foreign investment of over $6 billion during the current fiscal year.

Talking to newsmen at the Prime Minister House here, he said Pakistan was fast becoming a regional hub for investment and attracted $3.2 billion foreign direct investment last year, the largest in the country's history. This investment was expected to increase to $6 billion during the ongoing fiscal year, he added.

Over the last seven years, the size of the country's economy had increased and its per capita income had doubled, he said. Due to over 7 per cent growth rate in the economic sector, job opportunities had increased and the middle class was expanding, he added.

Mr Aziz said there had been a huge potential for investment in many sectors including baking, services, information and technology and infrastructure improvement.

The government, he said, had given importance to ensuring continued stability, consistency and continuity of policies and good governance so that the country could reach its full potential.

He said the benefits of economic development and growth had started reaching the people, and the government was making every effort to bring about a meaningful and positive change in the life of the common man.

The prime minister said Pakistan was also committed to ensuring peace in the region and working with the world community as a strong partner in the war against terrorism.

He regretted that some elements are wrongly associated Islam with terrorism.

He said Pakistan and India were engaged in a dialogue process to resolve the core issue of Kashmir in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiris to ensure peace and security in the region.

Referring to the recent visits of President General Pervez Musharraf to several Arab countries, Mr Aziz said Pakistan had been making sincere efforts to resolve the Palestine issue peacefully.—APP