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Friday March 29, 2024

Current difficulties will lead to prosperity: PM

The prime minister was of the view that the difficult decisions by the administration would augur well for the future of the nation. The prime minister and economic managers also briefed the members about the asset declaration scheme that is being termed amnesty plan.

By Muhammad Saleh Zaafir
May 14, 2019

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday asked the ruling alliance members in parliament to reach the masses for solution of their problems, as the present difficulties would ultimately yield dividend and the country will become stronger and prosperous in the long run.

He was addressing the ruling alliance members of parliament at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) soon after passage of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution in the National Assembly. The members of the ruling alliance assured the prime minister of their full support for attaining long-term economic targets of the government and execution of its policies.

The government’s economic team for the first time appeared before the parliamentarians led by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh. The members reportedly raised their voice against dearness, especially hike in rates of utility services and essential items of daily use. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh told them that increase in gas and power tariff wouldn’t have an adverse impact on 75 percent of the population.

The prime minister disclosed that the government was providing a subsidy of Rs216 billion in gas and power sectors this year. He said the sectors failing to perform well will not get any subsidy. Imran said he felt about the downtrodden and his government was trying to ensure that poor people should not bear the burden of taxes and dearness.

Imran who was earlier briefed about the economy by Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh took the parliamentarians into confidence on the future course of action on economy. It was officially stated that a meeting of senators and MNAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and its allies about the outlines of accord with the IMF and budget proposals took stock of economy and various proposals in this regard. Interestingly, the officials concerned have already tabulated most of proposals for the budget and the deal with the IMF will help them in slight modification of the same.

The sources said Imran was hopeful of overcoming the economic complexities. He said the vested interest was out to exploit the situation but “we should foil their efforts by reaching the people.”

The prime minister was of the view that the difficult decisions by the administration would augur well for the future of the nation. The prime minister and economic managers also briefed the members about the asset declaration scheme that is being termed amnesty plan. They also answered the queries of members about various aspects of economy and future plans. The meeting was briefed on the economic situation and the government's policies for economic stability.

Later, talking to the media, Prime Minister's Special Assistant (SAPM) on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Imran Khan had expressed the resolve to protect the people's interests and strengthen the economy by challenging the forces of status quo through long-term initiatives.

She said the prime minister also apprised the parliamentarians of Pakistan's agreement with the IMF and Asset Declaration Law. Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the prime minister asked the parliamentarians to visit their respective constituencies to ensure price control and supply of commodities in the market.