ISLAMABAD  -  Setting his eyes on taking the GDP rate to seven per cent in next four years Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that GDP growth for July to September rose to 5.1 per cent as compared to the corresponding period previous years which stood at 2.9 per cent.
Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to a group of Parliamentarians from Sahiwal and Multan divisions, who called on him here on Friday. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shiekh Aftab, MNA Captain (Retd) Safdar, and MNA Hamza Shahbaz were also present on the occasion.
The PM said when they took over a few months back the economy was in bad shape. Recalling the economic progress made during his last stints in office Premier Sharif said that economy was progressing well in 1991 during their first tenure and they were at parity with neighbouring countries and even ahead in some aspects. But lack of decisions on important projects led to the situation the country is facing today.
The Prime Minister told that the decision of status of GSP plus is an example of their government’s endeavours to change the track of economy from aid to trade. Apart from textile it will also benefit other sectors like leather industry, he added.
The PM said that the ADB supportive decision to invest in Jamshoro coal power plant would also pave way for investment in Gadani coal power project. “This will have a positive impact on our economy. And we will be able to achieve our energy targets within 3-4 years,” he explained.
The PM also explained the newly launched Youth Business loan Scheme and told that it would benefit around three million people in its first phase. He said that certain people were raising concerns on this project that the inexperienced youth would waste the loan as they have no experience.
He further informed that banks have been giving large loans to big industrialists, but now they also need to trust and invest in Small and Medium Enterprises. He told that SMEs are the backbone of USA, Japan and Germen economy. He said it was one of the promises they had made with the people during the election campaign and now fulfilment of this promise showed that PML-N leadership keep their promises. Addressing the Parliamentarians PM said that the Electricity problem has seen some relief due to payment of the circular debt and by taking administrative measures and rectifying the issues. But this problem cannot be solved overnight and needs constant efforts. We have made long term as well as short term plans to overcome energy shortages, he added.
On the issue of terrorism he said, “we have chosen the path of dialogue according to the decision taken in APC and expressed hope that the dialogue will bear fruit.” He told that the operation in Karachi is being carried out successfully adding that they have made necessary legislation to bring the culprits before the law so that they could be held for their misdeeds.
The Parliamentarians showed confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and said that the revolutionary steps taken by their government would change the destiny of the country. They also discussed political matters relating to their constituencies.
ARMY CHIEF CALLS ON PM
Chief of Army Staff General Rahil Sharif called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday at the Prime Minister's House.
During the meeting, security related matters and issues relating to national importance came under discussion.
Sources said that the COAS exchanged views on matters of security of the country and other related affairs besides professional capabilities of the Armed Forces.
They discussed security related matters and issues relating to national importance.