‘Witchcraft’ won’t help the nation: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD, May 25 ((SABAH): Stressing the need for hard work and austerity to steer the cash-strapped country out of the economic crises, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday remarked that “witchcraft” won’t help the nation. He said that the government is working hard to transform Pakistan into a stable economic country through Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). PM Shehbaz Sharif said we are determined to achieve all targets.

PM Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks while addressing the apex committee of the Special Investment and Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) 10th meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister said SIFC is playing a vital role in bringing foreign direct investment into the country. He said all provincial governments, political and military leadership are onboard and they are all supporting federal government and SIFC for economic growth and prosperity.

The premier said that joint efforts were being made to resolve the country’s issues. Briefing the participants about his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that during the meetings leaders and delegations of other countries expressed their satisfaction with the performance of SIFC.

Referring to the alleged criticism over the body, the premier said: “Concerns were expressed when the SIFC took legal form.”

Over time, the forum silenced its critics with its achievements, he said, adding: “SIFC playing a key role in the development of Pakistan.”

The premier said that all the provincial governments repose trust in the SIFC, adding that they would achieve their goals through the forum.

Moving on to economic reforms, PM Shehbaz Sharif told the participants that a foreign firm had been hired for the digitalisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed the imperative for diligent efforts to double agricultural production and reiterated his government’s commitment to providing ample opportunities for youth advancement in Information Technology.

The premier said that the UAE pledged to invest $10 billion in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz Sharif said the recent investment announcements made by Saudi and UAE leadership will help increase trade and investment in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan is blessed with immense potential of mines, minerals and other natural resources and there is a need to exploit these deposits for development of the country and prosperity of the people.

Shehbaz Sharif noted the increasing progress made by the SIFC over time and said that its stellar performance has effectively silenced its critics.

He highlighted his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have yielded positive outcomes in terms of attracting foreign investment to Pakistan. The Prime Minister also highlighted the positive reception from German investors towards the SIFC.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur and Balochistan’s Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Bugti were among the attendees of the meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar Advocate, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Commerce Minister Mir Jam Kamal Khan, Law and Justice Minister Senator Chaudhry Nazir Tarar Advocate and Water Resources Minister also attended the meeting. Besides that, four chief secretaries were in attendance.