ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday emphasised that out-of-the-box solutions were required for economic growth in these crucial times as the Covid-19 outbreak had adversely impacted the entire world’s economy, including that of Pakistan.
Chairing a meeting of the Finance and Economy think-tank, Imran said that from day one, the government adopted a strategy to maintain a balance between sustaining economic activity and protecting the masses from the infectious disease.
Adviser on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser on Institutional Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Reza Baqir, and former finance secretary Dr Waqar Masood Khan were present, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.
Meanwhile, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Shaukat Tareen, Sultan Alana, Dr Ijaz Nabi, and Arif Habib participated via video-link.
Shaikh briefed the session about the objectives and focus areas of the think tank.
The prime minister directed that regular feedback from the think tank be provided to him on various ongoing initiatives, policies, and programmes of the government.
PM Imran emphasised that their prime focus was on providing relief to the poor segments of society through targeted subsidies.
He said the Ehsaas programme was a flagship programme of the government to alleviate poverty and required expansion along with a strategy to reach the neediest people.
The prime minister highlighted that a substantive package had been announced for the construction and housing sector that aimed at increasing much-needed employment opportunities and economic stimulus as well as adding to the inventory of affordable housing for the poor.
The premier highly appreciated the proposals presented by the think tank regarding banking and finance, further improving the Ehsaas programme and facilitating small and medium enterprises.
