Shehbaz Sharif | Photo credit: Reuters
Pakistani business leaders, in a dialogue session with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urged him to start trade talks with India to boost business and commerce, which will greatly benefit the cash-strapped country’s economy. .
Asking tough questions during an hour-long meeting at the Sindh CM House in Pakistan’s commercial capital here on April 24, Karachi’s business community praised the Prime Minister’s determination to tackle economic issues, but not to “turn things around”. He advised the prime minister to focus on bringing political stability. economy.
The Prime Minister has spoken to the business community to explore ways to lift the economy through exports, but his determination comes as it is “nearly impossible” to do business in the current climate, particularly with high energy and energy costs. This was met with concern from industry leaders who said that Inconsistent government policy, Dawn newspaper reported.
After the prime minister’s short speech, the chamber was opened for questions and answers, with business leaders expressing appreciation for the government’s recent moves, but demanding more.
The two leaders also shared economic policy proposals to achieve the desired results.
There are concerns among business leaders about political instability in the country, and as head of government, he has advised the prime minister to take control.
Arif Habib, head of capital market giant Arif Habib Group, said, “Since I took office, we have shaken hands several times and we have achieved good results. Progress on the IMF agreement is one of them.”
They also asked the prime minister to start trade talks with India, the report added.
“I would like to shake hands a little more. One of them is about trade with India, which will be of great benefit to our economy. Secondly, the Adiala prison[incarceratedPTIItisalsonecessaryto(reconciliate)withtheresidents(referencetoleaderImranKhan)TrytofixtheproblematthatlevelaswellandIbelievewecandothat”BilateralrelationsdeterioratedrapidlyonAugust52019whenIndiaabrogatedArticle370oftheConstitutionstrippedJammuandKashmirofitsspecialstatusandbifurcatedthestateintotwounionterritories
India’s decision drew strong opposition from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic relations and expelled the Indian envoy. Pakistan also severed direct trade relations with India.
India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and forevermore” will remain an integral part of the country.
Prime Minister Sharif avoided directly answering questions aimed at political stability, but he noted down his proposals for economic growth and soon invited businessmen from all over the country to Islamabad, saying he would “until all problems are resolved.” He claimed that he had promised to sit with her. Not resolved. ”
The business leader also suggested that Mr. Shehbaz begin talks with imprisoned PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, apparently in the interest of political stability.
Shehbaz, who arrived in the port city on his first visit since taking office last month, said the conference was an attempt to “listen to the best business minds, absorb their views and put them into action.” Ta. Roadmap for economic growth.
“You all are the great minds of the business… Today we need you all to step up and put an end to this rental business. Let’s double our exports in a year. It’s difficult but not impossible. It’s a matter of faith for me. I will listen to you and make a plan to do it.” In a veiled reference to the country’s economy, he recalled “East Pakistan”, which was “once considered a burden to the country” but had made great strides in industrial growth.
“When I was young…I was told that this is the burden that rests on our shoulders…Now you can see how far that ‘burden’ has come (in terms of economic growth). I know. And when we look at them, we feel shame,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz.
issued – April 25, 2024 12:34 PM IST
