ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasized out-of-the-box solutions are required for economic growth in these crucial times.
“COVID-19 has adversely impacted the world economy and of Pakistan too,” he said while chairing a meeting of the Finance and Economy Think-Tank on Saturday.
He stated that from day one, the government adopted a strategy to maintain a balance between sustaining economic activity and protecting the masses from infectious disease of Covid-19.
Imran Khan emphasized that prime focus is on providing relief to the poor segment of society through targeted subsidies.
He stated that Ehsaas is the flagship program of the government to alleviate poverty and requires expansion along with a strategy to reach the needy people.
The prime minister highlighted that a substantive package has been announced for the construction and housing sector that aims at increasing much needed employment opportunities and economic stimulus as well as adding to the inventory of affordable housing for the poor.
The prime minister highly appreciated the proposals presented by the Think-Tank regarding banking and finance, further improving the Ehsaas program and facilitating SMEs.
He directed that regular feedback of the Think-Tank be provided to him on various ongoing initiatives, policies and programs of the government.
Advisor on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Advisor on Institutional Reforms Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Governor State Bank of Pakistan Raza Baqir and Former Finance Secretary Dr. Waqar Masood Khan were present.
Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Shaukat Tareen, Sultan Alana, Dr. Ijaz Nabi and Arif Habib participated via Video-Link.
Advisor on Finance briefed about the objectives and focus areas of this Think-Tank on Finance and Economy.