Karachi (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed his readiness to collaborate with all sectors for sustained economic development, affirming that economic progress would require collective effort.
Addressing an event at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the premier praised Karachi's revitalization, noting that the city, once struggling, had now regained its place as a key financial and commercial centre.
“The collective efforts of the government have contributed to the city's renewed prominence on the national stage,” he said.
The prime minister also focused on the significance of harnessing the momentum from Pakistan’s stock market to drive broader economic progress.
He spoke optimistically about the nation’s future, mentioning plans like the "Uraan Pakistan" programme, which aims to stimulate economic growth and enhance the country’s self-sufficiency.
PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan will meet its financial obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He highlighted that while adhering to the IMF agreements is essential in the short term, relying on heavy taxes cannot be a sustainable solution for Pakistan's economic future.
The premier expressed confidence that Pakistan will eventually be able to move away from IMF dependency once the time is right.
While acknowledging the achievements of recent months, PM Shehbaz stressed that sustained growth requires ongoing reforms focused on progress and development.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar appreciated the performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
He expressed hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the country will continue to move towards economic growth.
Addressing the ceremony, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that reforms are being implemented in the government entities and expenditures are being reduced.
He said that reforms in the energy sector will help in bringing sustainable growth in macro-economic sector.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz arrived in Karachi on a day-long visit and was received at the Pakistan Air Force Base Faisal by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Mohammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Ministers of State Ali Pervez Malik and Coordinator for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath are accompanying the prime minister.
