Lahore, March 30, 2024 – In a compelling call to action, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has rallied his cabinet members to swiftly embark on the journey towards achieving the ambitious targets outlined in a comprehensive five-year roadmap.
Addressing a high-level meeting of the cabinet in Lahore on Saturday, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of immediate action to meet the objectives set forth in the roadmap, which has been shared with all relevant ministries.
The Prime Minister delineated the broad parameters of the five-year plan, underscoring the need for various ministries to evolve mechanisms, mobilize human resources, and formulate strategies to meet the predefined targets without delay. “Responsibility with accountability will be the hallmark of the five-year roadmap as no system in the world can progress without it,” stated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister urged ministries to explore all available resources and tools, with a commitment to procuring necessary resources not immediately accessible. He emphasized the importance of overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining processes to expedite progress. The establishment of forums like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the adherence to relevant rules for hiring global consultants were highlighted as critical steps in this endeavor.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the imperative of utilizing Pakistan’s talented human resources to achieve the outlined targets, calling for the adoption of innovative approaches and the reduction of administrative burdens. “We have a five-year term to transform the economic situation of the country, but for that purpose, we have to commence our respective work immediately,” emphasized the Prime Minister, underscoring the urgency of the task at hand.
Key priorities outlined by the Prime Minister include reducing the burden of foreign debts, boosting GDP, creating employment opportunities, developing agriculture and IT sectors, reforming the energy sector, and combating smuggling. He underscored the pivotal role of economic stability in driving national progress, urging proactive initiatives to drive growth and self-sufficiency.
In addition to economic reforms, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted ongoing efforts to digitalize the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and expedite the disposal of cases stuck in appellate courts, ensuring enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in judicial proceedings.
The Prime Minister also commended the interim government for its achievements in the power sector, expressing confidence in the nation’s ability to meet and exceed targets in various fields. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to national defense and expressed solidarity with China following a recent tragic incident in Bisham, promising swift and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s resolve to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of the nation, underscoring the collective determination to achieve the objectives outlined in the five-year roadmap. The call to action sets the stage for a concerted and coordinated effort towards realizing Pakistan’s socio-economic aspirations.
