ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that following the outcome of “Marka-e-Haq,” the government and the Pakistani nation are now focused on achieving success in the economic domain.
He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of presidents of Chambers of Commerce from across the country.
The prime minister said the government, in collaboration with the private sector, aims to strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global economy. He stressed the importance of revitalizing the private sector to achieve self-sufficiency.
He stated that the government’s priority is to safeguard the rights of the business community and ensure a business environment conducive to profitability. He said the government is taking steps to promote small and medium enterprises, lower the cost of doing business, and increase access to business loans. Efforts are also underway to reduce electricity costs, he added.
The prime minister said tax evasion is unacceptable and measures will be taken to curb it. He emphasized the need to introduce modern technology in the industrial sector.
He said women have a role in economic development and the government will support women entrepreneurs in their economic activities.
Delegation members expressed appreciation for the prime minister and the Pakistan Army over the result of “Marka-e-Haq.” They also supported the government’s economic policies and noted gradual improvements in the business environment, including the performance of the stock exchange over the past two years.
They pledged continued cooperation with the government on development and public welfare initiatives. The delegation welcomed reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue and presented recommendations to make these reforms more business-friendly. They also offered suggestions for the next financial year’s budget.
The prime minister directed the finance minister to consider the proposals.
Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb (Finance), Ahsan Iqbal (Planning), Rana Tanvir Hussain (Industries), Jam Kamal Khan (Commerce), Ali Pervaiz Malik (Petroleum), Hanif Abbasi (Railways), Shaza Fatima Khawaja (Information Technology), Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and senior officials attended the meeting.
