PM Shehbaz calls for utilising local resources to make Pakistan self-reliant
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday stressed the need to utilise local resources to drive economic growth and make Pakistan self-reliant. He was talking to leading figures from the industrial sector to con-sult on economic and industrial development, boosting exports, and addressing the concerns of the busi-ness community in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Welcoming the participants, the Prime Minister briefed the business leaders that stability has been achieved and now focus is on economic growth, increasing exports, creating employment, promoting indus-trial development, and attracting foreign investment.
Shehbaz Sharif said suggestions from the business community are extremely valuable for national econom-ic progress. He assured to personally meet with the business community every month to include them in the consultative process for economic development. He expressed the commitment to consult the private sector representatives and experts from every field.
Participants lauded the government’s team for bringing economic stability to the country under the leader-ship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They appreciated the government for successfully finalizing and implementing the IMF program after long and testing negotiations to save Pakistan’s economy.
The business leaders also declared the budget for the current budget as people-friendly and a step in the right direction toward ease of doing business. It is essential that government policies align with the needs of business, investment, and industry. They said provision of more facilities to investors and exporters are vital to increase foreign investment in Pakistan.
The meeting was briefed that the government team is striving to enhance awareness and coordination with the private sector to facilitate government policies. It was told that for the first time in the country’s history, a modern IT ecosystem is being introduced. The AI-based systems are being developed across various sectors, including agriculture. Besides, consultations with the private sector, especially exporters, are being accelerated to expand port infrastructure and fully operationalize Gwadar Port.
Also, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asked the relevant authorities to present a comprehensive action plan to boost agricultural production and introduce agriculture reforms in the country. He was chairing a review meeting on the performance of the agriculture sector and ongoing reforms.
“Improving agricultural productivity, value addition, and increasing exports of agricultural products are top priorities of the government,” the prime minister said. He directed that a comprehensive short-and long-term action plan be presented for modern agricultural machinery, quality seeds, geographical planning of crops, and provision of easy loans to farmers.
To enhance per-acre crop yield, the prime minister directed that agricultural research centers be made more effective. He further directed that modern research be ensured through public-private partnerships in agricul-tural research centers.
The prime minister emphasised that the government should benefit from internationally renowned experts for the effective use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in agriculture. He also instructed that an action plan be presented for the development of small and medium-sized agro-industries to enable the value addition of agricultural commodities and enhance export-ready products.
To promote cultivation of profitable crops and make Pakistan self-sufficient in food security, the prime min-ister directed that all necessary guidance and support be provided to farmers.
He stressed the importance of consultation with farmers and other stakeholders for policy recommenda-tions. The prime minister emphasized the need to strengthen coordination and cooperation with provincial governments for agricultural development.
To mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, he directed assistance for farmers in adopting climate-resistant seeds and modern farming methods.
Keeping in view changing rainfall patterns and other climatic shifts, the prime minister directed that after detailed consultation with provincial governments, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, a comprehensive plan for cotton cultivation in new suitable areas be prepared.
He also called for research and planning to incorporate biofuels into the country’s energy mix.
During the briefing, the meeting was told about the production of major Rabi and Kharif crops from the pre-vious year, challenges faced by farmers, the proposed future roadmap, and suggestions for improvements. The meeting was also briefed about the progress on the implementation of government reforms, and the impact of climate change on agriculture.
The prime minister directed that a comprehensive action plan for further agricultural reforms be presented soon. Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, agricultural experts, and senior relevant officials attended the meeting.
