ISLAMABAD, March 20: Federal minister for labour, manpower & overseas Pakistanis, Owais Ghani has asked the expatriate Pakistanis to play a greater role in the development of their motherland.

Talking to a British delegation led by M. S. Chaudhry, Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council, who called on him here this morning, the minister said that Pakistan provides an ideal opportunity for investment because of highly-developed basic infrastructure backed by investment-friendly policies.

Ghani explained in detail the various welfare schemes being introduced by the government for expatriate Pakistanis as well as Pakistanis holding dual nationality.

The minister said that major international airlines as well as foreign banks of international repute have resumed operations in Pakistan which were earlier put on hold due to post Sept 11 incidents. He hoped that the British Airways would also resume its flights to Pakistan.

About law and order, the minister said by and large it is satisfactory, however, the government is determined to apprehend the terrorists who are involved in the isolated incidents of terrorism in recent weeks.

Congratulating M. S. Choudhry on his election as mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council, the minister said it reflects that overseas Pakistanis residing in Britain were making an invaluable contribution to that country.

During the meeting, head of the visiting delegation said that his election as mayor reflects complete harmony among various nationalities residing in Great Britain. However, Choudhry also identified a number of problems being faced by expatriate Pakistanis there.

The minister assured the visiting delegation that the government would resolve all genuine problems of the expatriate Pakistanis. Among others high-level officials of the ministry of labour, manpower were also present on the occasion.