We could not afford lockdown of economy so we are not going towards lockdown: Qureshi
MULTAN, Jan 22 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that government is striving hard to bring economic stability in the country. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has responded that we could not afford lockdown of economy so we are not going towards lockdown.
Talking to newsmen in Multan on Saturday, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf came into power in 2018 the country was near bankruptcy and we had to take many steps which were difficult and resulted in putting burden on the common man. He said that if we had not approached the IMF, the deficit of $20 left by the previous government was difficult to fulfill. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that have full realization of financial problems of people, adding that we are not ignorant about problems of people.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said this year is the year of recovery and next year will be year of prosperity. The foreign minister said that Pakistani economy is growing by 5.37 percent as per the latest survey of World Bank. He said that Pakistan has successfully overcome the four waves of corona pandemic. He claimed that the per capita income of Pakistanis was $547 during the last year of PML-N government and now it has reached $1,666.
To a question, he said Pakistan’s armed forces and entire nation have sacrificed their lives in war against terrorism. He said nefarious designs of enemies against Pakistan will never be succeeded. He said that the heinous designs of the enemies will be foiled.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced long march towards Islamabad from Karachi on 27th February and PTI has announced long march towards Karachi on 27th February, adding that both marches will meet somewhere in the way.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he has written letters to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif regarding the establishment of the south Punjab province, adding that he has written letter to Shehbaz and Bilawal with the approval of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said that PTI government took administrative steps regarding the south Punjab province. He said that 32 percent quota will be ensured for the south Punjab residents in jobs. He said that if PML-N and PPP are ready to support PTI on constitutional amendments regarding south Punjab province then we are ready to sit with them for evolving consensus honestly. He further said that government is even willing to give opposition the credit for the constitutional amendment if it wants. He said that PTI government took practical steps but for next phase the support and cooperation of PML-N and PPP is required and we have requested them to move forward jointly and we want to share the credit. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that he is hopeful that both parties will positively respond and will reply his letter. Shah Mahmmod Qureshi said that he will prepare the bill and present it in front of PTI’s National Assembly parliamentary party and then will start negotiations with both big opposition parties.
Replying a question regarding the presidential system, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that these are rumors and kite continues to fly and if it did not fly then how work will be done.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi PTI government will complete its term and will also give surprise in 2023 elections.
While criticizing Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the minister said that all political parties of Sindh have rejected the provincial local government act and protest is being stated inside and outside the assembly. He added that PTI is in favor of local bodies elections. He said that PTI wants to bring powerful LG system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Replying a question, he said that PM Imran Khan has handed over responsibilities to different people for reorganization of PTI and PM has handed over responsibility of south Punjab to Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, adding that Khusro Bakhtiar has also constituted t