ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday urged provincial governments to further support the Special Investment and Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) to get rid of the hunger and power as “witchcraft” won’t help the country.
Addressing the 10th meeting of the SIFC- a civil-military forum mandated to attract foreign investment, the premier said that he premier said that joint efforts of the civil and military leadership were being made to resolve the country’s issues.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif briefed the participants about his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, noting positive feedback on SIFC’s performance from international leaders. He also quoted his meeting with a German delegation that was also aware of the functioning of the SIFC.
The premier underscored its pivotal role in Pakistan’s development and affirmed trust from provincial governments in achieving shared goals through the forum.
Discussing economic reforms, PM Shehbaz announced the hiring of a foreign firm for digitalizing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and highlighted a $10 billion investment commitment from the UAE.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, provincial chief ministers, and federal cabinet members, who reviewed progress on economic cooperation with friendly nations and reiterated commitment to improving the investment climate.
Speaking on the occasion, the Army Chief pledged the army’s full support to the government’s endeavors for economic prosperity and socio-economic welfare.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to collaborating on various initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation’s well-being.
KP Chief Minister
Talking to the journalist after attending the meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that his presence at the meeting was to represent his province saying he would not compromise on the rights of the province.
“People gave us a mandate to fight for their rights,” he said.
CM Gandapur said he conveyed the concerns of his province to the forum, vowing to fulfill his responsibilities for their welfare.
He said that he also opposed the imposition of taxes on merged districts and PATA proposing instead revenue augmentation through mining sector reforms.
In response to queries, he underscored the constitutional prerogative to present budgets and highlighted the KP government’s proactive unveiling of its Rs1.75 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, setting a precedent ahead of federal counterparts and other provinces.
Information Minister Attaullah described the atmosphere of the SIFC’s 10th meeting as pleasant, noting that it signaled unity between the federation and the provinces on national matters.
Speaking with journalists, Minister Tarar highlighted the significance of the SIFC, echoing CM Gandapur’s acknowledgment of its importance, emphasizing their alignment with its objectives.
He reiterated the Prime Minister’s stance on prioritizing investment over aid, underscoring the government’s strategic focus.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs 10th Meeting of the Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council, today in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/WH2NZkwYn1
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 25, 2024
