PM Shehbaz outlines key steps in governance reform, economic digitization

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Thu, 22 Aug 2024, 11:59 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that his government had been concentrating on enhancing the governance system through institutional reforms and that significant progress had been made in advancing the digitization of the economy.

Speaking to a delegation of Harvard Business School students from nine countries, the prime minister welcomed them and acknowledged that internal and external debt had been a challenge for the economy. However, he expressed confidence that economic stability would soon address and overcome this issue.

He stated that digitizing of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was a crucial milestone in economic reforms, for which the services of internationally renowned experts had been hired. He emphasized that the digitization of the FBR would aid in expanding the tax base.

The prime minister noted that facilitating the business community and investors in Pakistan, along with eliminating bureaucratic red tape, had been significant developments, with the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation

Council (SIFC) playing a key role.

He also mentioned that efforts were underway to reduce the size of government and cut costs, including the ongoing work on downsizing and right-sizing federal ministries and institutions.

The prime minister announced that a homegrown economic plan for the next five years would be unveiled soon, developed in collaboration with experts.

He added that his focus was on implementing policies aimed at reducing elite control over resources and enhancing the welfare of the middle and lower classes. Additionally, efforts were being made to implement an export-led growth policy to help reduce the trade deficit.

The prime minister stated that Pakistan was rich in natural resources, highlighting Thar coal as a valuable energy source currently being used to meet the country’s power needs. He also mentioned that a comprehensive plan was being developed to modernize and advance the industry of precious and rare stones.

The prime minister said that promoting small and medium enterprises could drive significant progress in Pakistan, with the government taking substantial steps to achieve this objective. He also noted that Chinese expertise was being utilised to advance the agriculture sector, and that 1,000 Pakistani students and research scholars would be trained in modern agricultural techniques in China.

The prime minister noted that, for the first time, the country’s information technology-related exports had surpassed US$ 3.2 billion due to government efforts, which was a positive development. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s large youth population presented both a challenge and an opportunity and emphasized that efforts were underway to create a future filled with opportunities for this significant demographic.

Technical and vocational training for the youth was top priority for the government. Under an agreement with the Chinese company Huawei, 200,000 Pakistani students would receive annual training in the IT and telecom sectors. Additionally, work was underway to establish a Pakistan Education Endowment Fund modeled after the Punjab Education Endowment.

The network of Danish schools was also being expanded to reach remote areas of the country. These schools offered free, high-quality education to underprivileged students, along with complimentary accommodation and meals.

Advisory Councils for Overseas Pakistanis were operating within various ministries, allowing young expatriates to contribute to the country’s development through these platforms. Significant efforts were underway under the Prime Minister Youth Program to support the welfare of the youth.

The student delegation expressed their gratitude to the prime minister for participating in the interactive session and providing them with the opportunity to ask questions.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui , Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Petroleum Ministry Musadik Masood Malik, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima, and Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervez Malik. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood and other senior government officials were also present.

CM takes notice of firing on school van in Attock

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Ali Ali

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Thu, 22 Aug 2024, 11:55 PM

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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif took notice of a firing incident on a school van in Attock, and sought an immediate report from the Inspector General of Police in this regard.

Madam Chief Minister expressed profound sorrow and grief over the death of two female students, and directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical treatment facilities to the injured in this incident.

CM grieved over loss of lives in Muzaffargar accident

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Ali Ali

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Thu, 22 Aug 2024, 11:54 PM

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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sense of grief and sorrow over the loss of four precious lives in Alipur traffic accident in Muzaffargarh.

She offered condolences and shared her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families.

CM’s message On Int’l Day in Support of Victims of Torture

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Ali Ali

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Thu, 22 Aug 2024, 11:52 PM

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LAHORE, Aug 22 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that no religion allows violence. There is no religion in the world that encourages violence against people of different faiths.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif in a special message on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on the Basis of Beliefs and Religion said, ”Inflicting torture and violence on the basis of religion and beliefs is a reprehensible act. The Muslims are targeted on the basis of religion as growing Islamophobia is its prime example. For decades, Muslims in Kashmir and Palestine have been put to torture on the basis of beliefs.”

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “Pakistan gives equal respect to followers of all religions and beliefs. The white colour in the green crescent flag of Pakistan represents different religions as all are Pakistanis and there is no discrimination. Strict action has been undertaken against such hidden hands which are involved in committing violence on the minorities and are dealt with an iron hand. The Government of Punjab is committed to promoting religious harmony and tolerance.”

The CM added, ”Discrimination or violence on the basis of one’s religion or belief must be stopped. We should promote love, tolerance and brotherhood in the society. Such nefarious elements which strive to incite religious discrimination and hatred must be defeated.”

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif appealed to stand against violence and prejudice and play an effective role for a peaceful and secure society.

Rana urges PTI to avoid tactics, stresses for dialogue

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Ali Ali

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Thu, 22 Aug 2024, 11:51 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (APP):Advisor to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday urged the leaders of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) to avoid playing tactics and come forward for dialogue to resolve political issues.

Talking to a private television channel program, he said the PTI leaders should choose democratic manner for resolving political matters.

Commenting on public meeting call given by PTI leadership, he said that people did not gather at the venue on the call of PTI leaders. The PTI has postponed the public meeting after talks with PTI founder in jail.

Rana Sanaullah said the PTI chief was availing all required facilities in jail and added that the party should avoid spreading propaganda against the administration regarding provision of less facilities to him.

The PTI should discuss the charter of democracy (CoD), charter of economy (CoE), and other national matters rather disseminating false information among the public or creating chaos in the country, he said.