LAHORE, Dec 22 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday said it was his mission to reduce poverty as 40 per cent population in the country was living below the line of poverty.
Wealth creation was essential for poverty alleviation and for the purpose, an enabling environment would be provided to industries, he said while addressing a function held here under the auspices of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association.
The function was organized to thank the prime minister for providing affordable energy — gas and electricity — for revival and growth of the export industry.
The prime minister said he was aware of the problems that confronted the textile industry from time to time. However, an enabling environment would be provided to industries.
He said when Malaysia was transformed by its leadership, it provided opportunities to the entrepreneurs. UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also believed that profit was important for ensuring investment.
The money earned from legal means definitely benefited the country and there was difference between profit and profiteering, he added.
The prime minister said if there would be no rebate, those associated with small businesses would suffer. Proper governance system in the country would help ensure progress and prosperity.
Investors were now showing interest in making investment in Pakistan, he added.
The prime minister said due to the problem of current account deficit, the government had to approach the
friendly countries, though it was not the job of leaders to seek aid.
He said seeking aid compromised the sovereignty of nations. However, no strings were attached to what had been received from the friendly countries, he added.
Imran Khan said, “Pakistan’s role is of a peace-maker among the Muslim states and it wants to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.”
APTMA Chairman Syed Ali Ahsan thanked the prime minister for attending the function, saying the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government (PTI) had removed the energy disparity among provinces.
APTMA Patron-in-Chief Gohar Ejaz said, “If we increase our exports up to 10 per cent, it will result in remarkable
changes after five years.”
He said provision of affordable energy and policy implementation were essential things for better working of the industries and those associated with the industry needed the government’s support and confidence.
He said that in 2013, Pakistan’s exports stood at $25 billion, and had there been 10 per cent annual rise, today their volume should have been $41 billion.
Later, the Living Legend Award was given to Gohar Ejaz.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, povincial ministers Aleem Khan, Mehmood-ur-Rashid and Muhammad Aslam Iqbal were also present on the occasion.
