Elements who dreamt of Pakistan's default can't digest progress: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the anti-Pakistan elements, who had dreamt of Pakistan’s default, continue to make repeated attempts to attack Islamabad.

Talking to a delegation of Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) which called on him here, the prime minister said: “These elements are finding it difficult to digest Pakistan’s economic stability and development.

“We have sacrificed our politics for Pakistan’s economic security, and will continue to work day and night for its development,” he added.

Shehbaz said that after attaining stability in the country’s economy, the government had resumed the journey of economic development and growth from where it was halted in 2018. He said Pakistan witnessed a golden era of economic development under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and today, under his leadership too, the development journey was continued.

He expressed the gratitude to the friendly and brotherly countries as Pakistan avoided the default like situation and moved towards the path of development due to their cooperation.

The prime minister said the relationship between government and the media was based on mutual trust. He emphasised that the government always welcomed constructive criticism by the media as it was very important to improve governance. “The government believes in the media being the fourth pillar of the state,” the prime minister said, adding that there was complete freedom of expression in the country.

He expressed the confidence that “Uraan Pakistan”, a homemade development project, would be made successful with cooperation of media and all other relevant stakeholders.

On the occasion, the delegation members pointed out that the improvement in economic indicators was a positive sign, and that the media would continue to play a constructive role in national development and governance improvement.

The delegation praised the prime minister’s efforts in negotiating with the independent power producers (IPPs) to reduce electricity prices and resolve matters smoothly within the power sector. The country needs political stability, and the government should play a positive role in this regard, they said.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, top officials of the Information Ministry, PBA Chairman Mian Amir Mehmood, Mir Ibrahim, Naz Afreen Sehgal, Shakeel Masood, Nadeem Malik and Kazim Khan.

Meanwhile, addressing the launching ceremony of the landmark $20 billion Country Partnership Framework (CPF) of the World Bank (WB), the prime minister termed it a landmark initiative forged through decade-long strategic cooperation to boost employment opportunities, IT-led initiatives and climate resilience ensuring economic stability.

He expressed gratitude to the WB team for their leadership in shaping the framework, describing it as a timely intervention to overcome Pakistan’s immense challenges.

He highlighted the progress in digitising the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), introducing a pilot project at Karachi Port to reduce collusion between importers and Customs officials. “These funds will be channeled into social protection projects for Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations,” he explained.

“The (WB) vice president’s presence here demonstrates the World Bank’s confidence in Pakistan’s evolving system, which is taking bold, overdue steps toward vibrancy and functionality,” he remarked. He extended his vote of thanks to the WB vice president in German language and underscored Pakistan’s readiness for a new era of development, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships and sustainable growth under the CPF.

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Region Martin Raiser praised Pakistan’s recent economic reforms and reiterated the institution’s commitment to the partnership.

“The CPF will anchor the economic stability needed for Pakistan and the region,” he said, commending the prime minister’s leadership and urging continued collaboration to ensure the programme’s success.