ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated the importance of a “grand dialogue” among the major stakeholder in the country to ensure greater economic productivity amid Pakistan’s prevailing political turbulence.
The country is currently facing tough financial challenges with widening current account deficit, weakening currency and dwindling forex reserves that can only cover import payments of roughly two months.
While economic experts have warned of balance-of-payments crisis, the country is also witnessing political unrest due to an anti-government campaign launched by former prime minister Imran Khan who has been seeking fresh elections.
“We urgently need a grand dialogue to reach an agreement that no one will touch [vital economic] sectors whether a government comes or goes,” Sharif said while inaugurating a 600-bed hospital in Lahore, adding this would ensure the country’s continuous progress.
The prime minister also spoke about the recent hike in petroleum prices, saying his government had made the decision “with a heavy heart.”
Speaking of his recent visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Turkey, he said he had promised to work extremely hard to get the country back on track if these countries decided to help Pakistan just as they did in the past.
Taking a dig at the previous administration, the prime minister said he was held accountable for his governance over the past one-and-a-half month, adding that no one was questioning the performance of those who had been in power for the past three-and-a-half years.
Sharif said to put Pakistan on path to progress and development, it was important to think beyond personal interest.
