JEDDAH, 13 December 2003 — My visit to Pakistan after a year’s absence recently coincided with the completion of one year of Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali’s government. The moment I landed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore I noticed significant changes. Newly constructed roads, underpasses at busy intersections and hoardings near commercial buildings that sprung up during the past one year testified to the developments that took place during Jamali’s short time in office.
President Musharraf’s economic policies pulled the country out of mess created by more than a decade of misrule. Jamali’s government has taken the policies of President Musharraf forward.
The Jamali government completed its first year in office on Nov. 23. All economic targets were achieved, including revenue targets of 20 billion rupees by the Central Board of Revenue.
Foreign exchange reserves now stands at $12 billion. The Pakistani rupee gained stability against the dollar. Exports reached $11 billion a year. Stocks remained bullish crossing a record 4,000 points during the year. The banking sector earned public confidence and saw enormous re-structuring and structural improvement. Foreign remittances were over $4.1 billion and the budget deficit was reduced.
Some 10 mega projects in power generation, construction of dams, industry and agriculture were initiated. With the completion of these projects — which saw foreign investment of $20 billion — Pakistan is set to enter a new phase of progress and prosperity.
The Jamali government has provided much-needed relief to the people by cutting the power tariff, telephone charges and the gas tariff. New government initiatives to combat unemployment and maintain law and order have started to yield results.
The Jamali government also introduced reforms in the electronic media. The quality of entertainment, current affairs and news bulletins have improved. Over 27 licenses were issued to private sector to set up FM radio stations.
Nonetheless Pakistanis say that a lot more needs to be done if Pakistan is to come into the 21st century.
