Pakistan now a robust economy: PM

By Our Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Dec 13: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Tuesday that wide-ranging structural reforms, prudent macro-economic policies, fiscal discipline, consistency and continuity in policies have transformed Pakistan into a stable and resurgent economy.

He stated this while talking to a Young Global Leaders’ delegation who called on him at the Prime Minister House on Tuesday.

He said the country had a sense of direction, political stability, an active parliament and vociferous press. “We want peace with all neighbours, which is critical for sustainable peace in the region”.

Our policies of liberalization, deregulation and privatization couple with transparency have increased investors’ confidence and investments today are the biggest in the history of Pakistan, the prime minister said.

He briefed the delegation on the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the earthquake affected areas. He said the entire work was being done by civil administration, army and elected representatives in close coordination. NGOs have also been contributing in government’s relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

He said the government was focusing on evolving transparent methods for fund collection and utilization. The government has laid down a procedure for double audits and constituted committees for oversight.

Expats asset of country: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said Pakistanis living abroad are an asset for the country.

He was talking to a ten-member delegation of Kuwait-based Pakistanis who called on him at the PM House on Tuesday.

The delegation led by Sardar Mohammad Bashir Khan briefed the prime minister about the relief efforts carried out by them after the October 8 earthquake.

Mr Aziz said the Kuwait-based Pakistanis were setting up 500 shelter homes in Azad Kashmir to cater to the needs of the homeless.

He appreciated their contribution for such a noble cause and said the community should keep up the good work of helping their brethren at such trying times.

He said due to consistency in policies, high growth rate and transparency at all levels, Pakistan had become an attractive country for foreign investors.

http://www.dawn.com/2005/12/14/nat7.htm
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