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During a meeting with the business community in Karachi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received both praise for his determination and concerns about the challenges facing businesses in Pakistan. While industry leaders appreciated the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy through initiatives like engaging with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), they emphasized the importance of political stability for economic turnaround.
The business leaders advised the Prime Minister to explore trade talks with India and reconcile with imprisoned PTI founding chairman Imran Khan to foster political stability. They stressed the need for consistent government policies and fair energy tariffs to address the challenges faced by industries.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the concerns raised by the business community and reiterated his commitment to listening to their feedback and translating it into actionable plans for economic growth. He emphasized the importance of genuine industrial and agricultural development to boost exports and revitalize the economy.
Referring to the economic progress of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister highlighted the potential for Pakistan to achieve similar growth through strategic initiatives and collaboration with the business community.
The meeting also featured a presentation by prominent industrialist Zubair Motiwala, who raised concerns about the increasing cost of doing business, particularly due to high energy prices. Motiwala emphasized the need for fair gas prices and suggested measures to address the surplus electricity issue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the business community of his commitment to resolving their issues and invited them to Islamabad for further discussions. His visit to Karachi also included paying respects at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum, symbolizing his reverence for the country’s founding father.
Haseeb Abdullah
