Karachi: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan’s development has been made possible with the support of friendly nations.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation from the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, which met him in Islamabad on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan Broadcasters Association Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood, along with members Mir Ibrahim Rehman, Naz Afreen Sehgal, Shakeel Masood, Nadeem Malik, and Kazim Khan.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and senior officials from the information ministry were also present, according to reports.
PM highlighted that after having economic stability, the government had resumed efforts to advance economic growth, picking up from where it was left in 2018.
He noted that Pakistan experienced significant economic progress under the leadership of PMLN Leader Nawaz Sharif. “The credit of significant decline in inflation and interest rate goes to the hard work by the government economic team,” he remarked.
PM Shehbaz said that the relationship between the government and media is built on mutual trust. He stated that the government welcomes constructive criticism from the media. “The government believes in media being the fourth pillar of the state,” he said, adding that there is full freedom of expression in the country.
He expressed optimism that the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ project would succeed with the cooperation of the media and other relevant stakeholders.
PM further stated that exports have risen, and the industrial and agricultural sectors are performing well due to business-friendly policies.
Regarding the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), he mentioned that reforms were being implemented, and digitization efforts were progressing rapidly.
He announced that a faceless assessment system had been introduced to enhance the customs system, which would increase tax revenue, ensure transparency, and prevent corruption. He noted that the initiative had already benefited the national exchequer by curbing the smuggling of petroleum products, sugar, fertilizers, and wheat.
He said that the increase in remittances demonstrated the growing trust of overseas Pakistanis in government policies. The government was also strengthening ties with friendly countries and achieving diplomatic successes. He asserted that Pakistan’s global standing had improved.
Discussing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that the project’s benefits were becoming evident. He emphasized that the vision of Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping for Pakistan’s progress was close to realization, and the government was working diligently to complete CPEC projects.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the nation in the fight against terrorism, stating, “The Pakistan armed forces, along with the entire nation, will continue the fight against this menace until its complete eradication.”
PM pointed out that elements attempting to undermine Pakistan’s stability were finding it difficult to accept the country’s economic progress. “We have sacrificed our politics for Pakistan’s economic security and will continue to work day and night for its development,” he added.
He highlighted the country’s youth as its greatest asset and stressed the importance of providing them with quality education, training, and equal opportunities for development as a top priority.
During the meeting, the delegation members acknowledged the improvement in economic indicators and assured that the media would continue to play a constructive role in national development and governance.
They appreciated the Prime Minister’s efforts in negotiating with Independent Power Producers to lower electricity prices and address issues in the power sector efficiently.
The delegation said that the country needs political stability and urged the government to play a constructive role in achieving it.
