KP CM wants to create bias by presenting budget before Centre, say federal ministers

Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan accused the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) of attempting to create bias by presenting the provincial annual budget before the federal budget.

According to the 24News HD TV channel, the federal ministers held a joint press conference in Islamabad and said no province has ever presented its budget before the federal government.

The federal ministers said that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is trying to disrupt the environment.

Attaullah Tarar mentioned that the opposition did not tolerate the diplomatic successes of the sitting government as the investors' confidence in the country is being restored.

He asserted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif knows how to deliver results and he represent all four provinces when speaking abroad.

He said the Prime Minister has told the friendly countries that Pakistan does not need aid or loans.

He also expressed a desire for a conducive environment for the political dialogues.

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said the government is taking steps to improve the economy.

He highlighted the exemplary warmth Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received during his visit to the UAE, noting that the UAE leadership has confidence in Pakistan.

He said the government is promoting trade and investment wherever they go, and there is a collective effort to prevent the country from defaulting.

He said the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has provided a one-window operation for investors, further restoring their confidence in the country.

Jam Kamal Khan said that the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) announcement to invest $10 billion in Pakistan was a significant endorsement of the government’s economic reforms and confidence-building measures.

He attributed the historic investment to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tireless efforts to address issues affecting the business community and investors over the past two months.

The government has taken steps to resolve issues related to tariff, energy crisis, competitive pricing, revenue targets, remittances, and building confidence among local and international investors, the minister said.

The prime minister’s visit to the UAE yesterday resulted in the $10 billion investment announcement by UAE President Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he added.

Minister Kamal highlighted that this investment was unprecedented and will be utilized in areas identified by Pakistan.

To a question on trade with India, the minister said that Pakistan would maintain its stance on core issues like Kashmir, which is essential for the country, adding it would not compromise on its core issues and will only move forward on trade when these are addressed.

The minister expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to improve the economy, generate revenue, and create jobs, with preparations already underway.