No person, party above state: Tarar

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday criticised the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) government, attributing increased grievances from friendly countries and Pakistan's isolation to their actions, including halting work on CPEC projects.

He also claimed a historic and record decrease in inflation, which he described as a positive indicator for the country, and reaffirmed the present government's commitment to economic revival.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the federal minister said the PTI was a collection of contradictions that used to even deny its tweets, adding that neither a personality nor was a political party above the state.

"If anybody does not like this state, they may leave for other countries," he added. “The inflation rate has dropped to 11 percent this month, surpassing expectations, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Bloomberg, the Asian Development Bank, UNDP, the World Bank, and other international organisations are also acknowledging the progress of Pakistan’s economy and seeing it on the right track.”

Highlighting the government's tireless efforts focusing on the economy, Tarar mentioned significant achievements such as a drop in inflation, lower fuel prices, unprecedented growth in the stock exchange, increased foreign reserves, enhanced direct investment, and record tax collection by the Federal Board of Revenue.

He expressed optimism about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's historic visit to China with a delegation of approximately 100 businessmen. Tarar anticipated fruitful B2B meetings, business conferences, and the signing of agreements, which he believed would further bolster the country's stability.

Responding to a question about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Tarar praised the rapid pace of work on CPEC projects during Nawaz Sharif's tenure, highlighting the commendable role of Shehbaz Sharif, the then Chief Minister of Punjab, in ensuring their swift completion. He assured that these projects would now be completed with even more speed.

The minister expressed confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that other friendly nations trust him, citing the UAE's $10 billion direct investment allocation and anticipating significant outcomes from Shehbaz Sharif's four-day visit to China.

"There is a serious government in Pakistan now, and due to its steps in favour of the country and its people, it saved the country from default, stabilised its currency, and increased IT exports, which built the trust of the business community. Many meetings have been held on the budget, and the cabinet, which is working without salary, is trying its best to provide a conducive environment for businessmen," he maintained.