Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has reiterated government’s resolve to turn around economy of the country and provide relief to the poor segment of society.

Briefing the media persons about the decisions taken in the Federal Cabinet meeting along with Prime Minister’s Advisor on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said previous government damaged goodwill of the country by non-implementation on IMF agreement.

He said incumbent government has preferred the economy of country over politics. He said price increase of petroleum products was inevitable to save country from economic crisis. He said world is facing supply chain disruptions and government is keeping an eye on it.

The Minister expressed hope that foreign investors will come to Pakistan and the country will soon be on track of progress.

Ahsan Iqbal said that Prime Minister has directed to ensure supply of urea to the farmers. He informed that Prime Minister also asked authorities concerned to expedite procedure of obtaining urea from China.

Ahsan Iqbal said that the cabinet approved formation of a committee to review Trade Organization Act.

He said the cabinet also approved the launching of national and international Ijara Sakuk program on the recommendation of Ministry of Finance.

The Minister said cabinet also reviewed the situation of GSP+ status of Pakistan. He said GSP+ benefitted Pakistan to increase its exports.

The cabinet was taken into confidence about situation of edible oil import from Indonesia.

He said matter of FATF was also discussed in the meeting. He said Pakistan has completed all the prerequisites of FATF and soon it will be out of the grey list.

He said this will promote business climate of the country. He said incumbent government took many steps to bring Pakistan out of grey list.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira said Indian brutalities are continuing in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said India will not succeed to suppress the passion for freedom in the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He said budget of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan has been enhanced to bring these areas at par with other areas of Pakistan.

He said rich people of the country will be taxed to provide relief to the poor.

Source: Radio Pakistan