Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that after making Pakistan a nuclear power, the government’s next priority was to transform the country into an economic power.

He was speaking to reporters in Lahore at the mausoleum of Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Ali bin Usman Al-Hajveri, popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, where he took part in the annual ritual washing of the shrine and laid floral wreaths.

Punjab Ministers Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Bilal Yasin, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Mian Marghoob Ahmed and officials of the Auqaf Department also took part in the ceremony.

Dar said Pakistan’s economy would have been stronger today had obstacles not been placed in the country’s path to development.

The deputy prime minister said the current federal budget had provided tax relief of Rs361 billion to the public.

Responding to a question, Dar said Pakistan had emerged as a peacemaker on the global stage after playing a role in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States.

Dar said Pakistan was among the first countries to condemn the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran and had made practical efforts to help bring an end to the conflict.

He said the nation was grateful for the international recognition and respect Pakistan had received during the mediation process, adding that the country’s diplomatic initiatives had contributed to promoting peace and stability in the region.

The deputy prime minister said the government had taken steps to reverse what he described as the flawed economic policies of the previous administration and had placed the country on a path towards economic development.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to economic growth and regional stability, saying Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and cooperation.

Referring to the prevailing security situation in the region, Dar said that Pakistan remained fully capable of defending itself and would effectively respond to any act of aggression.

Special prayers were offered at the conclusion of the ceremony for the country’s security, prosperity and stability.