Elections will lead towards a stable govt which will translate into economic stability: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar
DAVOS, Jan 17 (SABAH): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has reiterated that the general elections will take place in Pakistan on the 8th of next month.
In an exclusive interview with “CNBC” on the sidelines of World Economic Forum in Davos, he said this is a constitutional requirement and everyone in the country is committed to that particular date.
He said the people of Pakistan will have a choice to exercise their right to vote and they will elect a government for the next five years. He said the elections will lead towards a stable government which will translate into economic stability.
When asked about the economic situation, the Prime Minister said that the IMF Board has approved our second tranche.
He said it has been priority of the caretaker government to bring economic revival and focus on growth and other economic indicators.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said we will also publish a white paper on the four to five month’s performance of the caretaker government.
The Prime Minister said we did introduce a revamped program within the taxation system. He said we went for an aggressive privatization spree and cut expenditures at the federal level. He said we are also engaging with the provinces so that they can also rationalize their spending.
Responding to a question, the Caretaker Prime Minister emphasized the need for a regional approach to deal with the challenge of terrorism. We need to enhance the capacity of counter terrorism. He said Pakistan is a mid-sized power and its actual potential and role needs to be appreciated.
When asked about relations with China, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Pakistan enjoys strategically close relations with Beijing. He said no matter what happens in the region or anywhere else, nothing can affect our relationship with China.
Meanwhile Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has expressed Pakistan’s commitment to provide conducive environment to the private sector to further flourish their businesses.
Addressing an event organized by Pathfinders in Davos on Wednesday, he said the taxes collected from the businesses will be spent on the social sector.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan’s biggest asset is its human resource with 60 percent of its population under the age of 30. He said the country has got around 1.5 million work force in the IT sector and it has been working on its international accreditation.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said the government has revamped the taxation structure. Our governance structure is improving. He expressed satisfaction that the people of Pakistan are feeling a deep sense of positivity.
Alluding to the geostrategic location, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is a great place which has diversified cultures, languages, ethnic groups and cuisines.
He emphasized that we have to be more competitive and attractive to facilitate the industrialization journey of those in the Gulf. He pointed out that China is relocating some of its industry and one of the destination would be Pakistan.
Meanwhile Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has lauded the role of Cargill, the largest private American global food corporation, in development of agricultural sector and strengthening the trade ties with the United States.
He was talking to the Chief Executive Officer of Cargill, Brian Sikes, who called on the Prime Minister at the sidelines of 54th Annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister highlighted the vital role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council for the promotion of business and investment in the country. He also apprised the CEO Cargill about the establishment of Special Investment Facilitation Council and the steps and outcome to enhance foreign investment in the country.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also informed Brian Sikes about the steps taken by the government under the auspices of the Special Investment Facilitation Council to ensure food security in the country.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Cargill appreciated the facilities provided by the government of Pakistan for investment and strengthening cooperation in agriculture and food security.
Meanwhile in a tweet on social media handler X, the Caretaker Prime Minister emphasized the need to realize the true potential of Pakistan’s agricultural sector by scaling up investment in its modernization and mechanization for achievement food security.