PTI, Imran tried to sabotage IMF agreement: Ahsan Iqbal

NAROWAL: Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the need to increase exports of the country by utilising all available resources.

He regretted that the PTI and Imran Khan have tried to sabotage the IMF’s agreement with Pakistan but could not succeed. He said that in the result of the restoration of the IMF programme economic restoration process of Pakistan will be strengthened.

Addressing a news conference in Narowal on Sunday Ahsan Iqbal said five main fields of economy including agriculture, IT, manpower, minerals and industries can play a vital role in increase of exports and to deal with the economic crisis.

The minister said Pakistan has the lowest GDP growth rate in the region and by paying special attention to SMEs we can achieve the set target. He said that we must increase the tax to GDP ratio for self-sufficiency. He also urged the nation to adopt the tax culture for the development of the country.

He said that everyone who is earning money should have to pay tax, adding that every person has to stop the tax theft while becoming the guardian, adding that it is the duty of every Pakistani to point out the tax theft happening anywhere.

Ahsan Iqbal said, “We have to increase our labour productivity while start working early in the day.

Ahsan Iqbal requested the overseas Pakistanis to send money in Pakistan through banking channel. He said Pakistan is now on a right track after its agreement with the IMF and this Stand by Arrangement will be helpful in economic turnaround of Pakistan.

Replying a question Ahsan Iqbal said that PMLN Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will soon return to Pakistan and will run the election campaign of the party, adding that everyone came to know that Nawaz Sharif was disqualified and removed from the position of prime minister through victimisation action and conspiracy.