Shehbaz Sharif vows to bring economic stability, ensure GDP growth

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday expressed the resolve to bring macroeconomic stability and put Pakistan the path of growth, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

 Addressing the Tax Excellence Awards ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said ensuring export-led growth through collective efforts was the only way to rid the country of loans.

He said the government would undertake efforts to uplift productive sectors such as industries, agriculture and information technology.

The prime minister said the government was compelled to enter into a new IMF deal for the purpose of stability.

Sharif, however, said along with the IMF programme, the government would focus on fostering growth, creating job opportunities and addressing the issue of inflation.

Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government, in collaboration with the provincial governments, would create enabling circumstances for the private sector and address their problems.

The PM said refunds to the tune of 65 billion rupees had been made to the exporters, expressing the determination that in future the refunds would be made in a timely manner.

He said we will also go towards providing electricity to the industries on competitive rates in order to enhance their productivity.

He said the platform of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had been established to give impetus to the investment. Shehbaz said the second phase of CPEC will be taken forward.

As regards tax reforms, the prime minister said the FBR would be totally restructured. He said consultants would be hired next month for complete digitalization of the tax collection body.