PM Shehbaz Sharif: Despite Protests, We Have Managed to Stabilize the Economy

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that despite ongoing protests and attempts to destabilize the government, his administration has succeeded in improving Pakistan’s economy. Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister revealed that the government had met the December tax target set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a significant achievement amid economic challenges.
He expressed optimism for the new year, saying that the “Udaan Pakistan Program,” launched recently, would prove to be a positive omen for the country. He commended the efforts of key figures like Ahsan Iqbal, Ishaq Dar, and others for their hard work in advancing the country’s economic agenda.
The Prime Minister highlighted the progress made in revenue generation, specifically mentioning the successful collection of Rs. 72 billion in tax revenue under the ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution) scheme. Despite the significant gap between tax collection and the target, the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was praised for his efforts.
PM Sharif also discussed the improvements at Karachi Port, where the FBR’s digitalization efforts have sped up the container handling process, reducing waiting times by 39%. The government had secured $6 million in funding through the Bill Gates Foundation for this project.
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s success in curbing the smuggling of sugar to Afghanistan, which had previously been a major concern. He credited federal minister Rana Tanveer and the military leadership for their role in eliminating this issue. The government has also seen a significant reduction in oil smuggling.
The Prime Minister also reported that remittances had reached $15 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year, and if this trend continues, total remittances could hit $35 billion by the end of the year, setting a new national record.
Despite the challenges posed by political unrest and attempts to destabilize the government, PM Sharif declared that his administration had managed to bring stability to the economy. He further stated that his government had maintained transparency, with no major corruption scandals surfacing during its tenure.
On the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the resurgence of militancy, partly due to the Afghan government’s decision to release several individuals who had been involved in militant activities. He praised Pakistan’s security forces for their bravery in combating these threats, highlighting the sacrifices made by the nation’s soldiers in the fight against terrorism.