Islamabad :
With a commitment not to withdraw from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and to negotiate with the IMF in Washington in October, Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen called for another short-, medium- and long-term sustainable economic growth. Presented the program of important fields.
Addressing a news conference with eight members of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) and private sector stakeholders, Shaukat Tareen also said that the formal privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills would take a day or two, Dawn reported. Bidders will be invited.
He said that Pakistan’s planned economic policy had expired two decades ago and the results were very disappointing.
Shaukat Tareen said that the new plan would pave the way for comprehensive and sustainable development, with each minister briefing the Prime Minister on the progress on a monthly basis on the basis of these viable projects along with the strategy.
Replying to a question on the economic plans announced when the government came to power three years ago and the promises made by the Prime Minister to review the performance of the ministers, Shaukat Tareen said that The results should not be held accountable by the government when it came to power 3 years ago and reviewed the performance of the ministers.
“Asad Omar, as finance minister, made an effort in this direction but he could not move forward. But I assure you that we have a plan and we will implement it and on a monthly basis,” he said. We will keep you updated.
He said that the Economic Reforms Unit of the Ministry of Finance would brief the Prime Minister on the progress and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics would provide expert assistance in professional assessments.
Responding to a question, he said the government had no intention of withdrawing from the IMF program and had positive talks with the IMF on Thursday and agreed to discuss the next review by the end of next month.
“And then during the annual meetings October 11-17, I will have face-to-face talks with the IMF in Washington,” he said.
Shaukat Tareen said that from September, performance in 14 sectors would be monitored and the Prime Minister would be briefed every month on the implementation of the projects.
“Plans not only focus on formulating strategies, but also on ensuring their implementation,” he said.
The Finance Minister said that it is clear that the present government will be able to implement only short-term measures, some of which have already been included in the current year’s budget, but it will set the stage for future governments.
Shaukat Tareen clarified that the key focus is to create vast employment opportunities to involve the youth in the productive sectors of the economy.
He said that the sectors promoting development through EAC platform include small farms including agriculture, micro enterprises, small and medium enterprises, construction, tourism and information technology.
Shaukat Tareen said this would be achieved through integrated, permanent policies between the federal, provincial governments and the private sector.
