Foreign exchange reserves reach $21b: CM

LAHORE
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the media has played a positive role in promotion of democracy and strengthening democratic institutions. He said the role of media has become more important in the present situation. He said the media has earlier played important role for national solidarity, unity, harmony and Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen.
The CM said Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions rendered sacrifice for a great cause. He said the respect and sanctity of Muharram is binding upon all. He said the Punjab government has taken all necessary measures for maintaining law and order in the province. However, the role of media is also of great importance for the promotion of sentiments of tolerance, brotherhood and patience in society, he added. Shehbaz Sharif said under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the country is marching towards development and prosperity and national economy is improving. He said the foreign exchange reserves have reached about 21 billion dollars and the credit rating of Pakistan has also increased.
He expressed these views while talking to senior media persons during a meeting on Wednesday. Shahbaz Sharif said the media has got freedom through its struggle, sacrifices and efforts. He said a responsible and independent media is essential for the guidance and accountability of the government. The CM said he always takes guidance from print and electronic media. He said the media has played an effective role at every occasion which is commendable. He hoped that the role of media will further improve in the coming days. Referring to the problems being faced by the country, Shahbaz Sharif said the country is facing big challenges of terrorism and energy crisis. He said political and military leadership and the entire nation are on the same page in the war against terrorism. He said Pak army has achieved glorious successes in the war against terrorism. He said: “We all have to win the war

of survival of Pakistan and make it a haven of peace”.
The CM said besides bullet of gun, tablets of socio-economic justice are also essential for winning the war against terrorism. He said the problems of corruption, unemployment and poverty would have to be resolved to eliminate extremism. He said effective measures have been taken under National Action Plan in the province and Punjab is the first province, which has constituted a Counter Terrorism Force.
Shahbaz Sharif said the Counter Terrorism Force was imparted training in a highly professional manner and this force was playing an important role for eliminating terrorism. He said the federal and provincial governments are taking steps under National Action Plan for eliminating terrorism. He said punishments have been made more stringent for making necessary amendments in anti-terrorism laws under National Action Plan in Punjab. The CM said special chapters have been included in educational syllabus for promoting tolerance and patience. He said the misuse of loudspeaker, publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred and wall-chalking have been strictly checked and these steps of Punjab government have yielded positive results. Shahbaz Sharif said that an effective strategy has also been evolved for controlling religious hatred and sectarianism from society created for many decades. He said the war against terrorism would be won through collective efforts and unity of the nation.
He said Pak army, judiciary, government and the entire nation are united for protection of CPEC. Mentioning efforts being made for elimination of energy crisis, Shahbaz Sharif said that under the leadership of Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif, efforts are being made for removing darkness of loadshedding and overcoming problem of energy shortage. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Zaeem Hussain Qadri and others were present.