Islamabad, Feb 4 (PTI) – Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to steering the country toward sustained economic growth during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He expressed confidence that all set economic targets, including the reduction of inflation, would be successfully met.
Sharif highlighted a significant achievement in the fight against inflation, noting that the annual rate had dropped to a nine-year low of 2.4% in January. This reduction was largely attributed to a decrease in the prices of perishable food items, which have historically been a major contributor to inflationary pressures.
"Now, we are fully focused on economic growth. This is our primary challenge. We are putting all our efforts into achieving this goal, just as we have with other targets," Sharif remarked during the meeting.
The Prime Minister also addressed Pakistan’s financial obligations under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, which saw the country secure a USD 7 billion loan last year. Among the stringent conditions set by the IMF was the implementation of an agriculture tax. Sharif confirmed that the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan had now approved this tax, fulfilling one of the key IMF requirements.
In addition to economic discussions, Sharif instructed the Ministry of National Food Security to prepare a special package for the upcoming Ramadan. The package aims to ensure transparency and provide the public with essential food items at subsidized rates during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Prime Minister also took a moment to honor Pakistan's security personnel, praising their sacrifices in the ongoing battle against terrorism. "Their contributions to peace and security will be written in golden words in the history of Pakistan," Sharif said, paying tribute to those who have given their lives for the nation's safety.
As Pakistan continues to face numerous challenges, Sharif's statements underscore the government's focus on stabilizing the economy while ensuring social welfare during critical periods like Ramadan.
Sharif highlighted a significant achievement in the fight against inflation, noting that the annual rate had dropped to a nine-year low of 2.4% in January. This reduction was largely attributed to a decrease in the prices of perishable food items, which have historically been a major contributor to inflationary pressures.
"Now, we are fully focused on economic growth. This is our primary challenge. We are putting all our efforts into achieving this goal, just as we have with other targets," Sharif remarked during the meeting.
The Prime Minister also addressed Pakistan’s financial obligations under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, which saw the country secure a USD 7 billion loan last year. Among the stringent conditions set by the IMF was the implementation of an agriculture tax. Sharif confirmed that the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan had now approved this tax, fulfilling one of the key IMF requirements.
In addition to economic discussions, Sharif instructed the Ministry of National Food Security to prepare a special package for the upcoming Ramadan. The package aims to ensure transparency and provide the public with essential food items at subsidized rates during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Prime Minister also took a moment to honor Pakistan's security personnel, praising their sacrifices in the ongoing battle against terrorism. "Their contributions to peace and security will be written in golden words in the history of Pakistan," Sharif said, paying tribute to those who have given their lives for the nation's safety.
As Pakistan continues to face numerous challenges, Sharif's statements underscore the government's focus on stabilizing the economy while ensuring social welfare during critical periods like Ramadan.
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