ISLAMABAD, 8 June — A top leader of the breakaway faction of Pakistan Muslim League (Azhar group) has called upon the government to slash non-development expenditure, improve law and order situation and frame a policy to ensure better return of crops to farmers.
Syed Fakhr Imam, who heads the committees for political affairs of the party faction led by Mian Azhar, said inflow of foreign investment was not possible unless democracy was restored, law and order situation improved and the interest of investors safeguarded.
Speaking to newsmen at the office of PML President Mian Azhar, Fakhr Imam said: “We need to slash administrative and non-development expenditure.” A major chunk of the budget allocation goes to debt servicing, defense and for meeting non-development expenses, he said. The government is expected to unveil the annual budget on June 15. Imam, a former National Assembly speaker, also stressed the need to increase growth. He blamed poor economic policy for rising unemployment and price hike. He said that to woo foreign investors, political stability and rule of law were essential.
He said his party if propelled to power by the people would work to strengthen institutions and boost economic activities. Imam stressed the need for widening tax base and diversifying exports.
