MUZAFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated the government’s resolve to see the country through the economic crisis by implementing structural reforms in the economic sector aimed at providing maximum facilities to the citizens.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio, harness the huge potential of natural and agricultural resources, curb smuggling, electricity theft and reduce losses of state-owned entities (SOEs).
Addressing a ceremony where checks were distributed among those affected by torrential rains and snowfall, the prime minister called for putting aside differences in national interest and stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure rapid national development.
He highlighted the current tax collection target for the fiscal year and emphasized that tax evasion remains a significant challenge that needs to be addressed to strengthen the country’s resources. Shehbaz emphasized the need for adequate resources for infrastructure development in key sectors such as health and education.
Addressing the issue of SOE losses, the prime minister revealed staggering figures, citing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) losses of Rs 825 billion and annual power theft losses of Rs 500 billion.
Also read: Four terrorists killed in North Waziristan: ISPR
Shehbaz condoled the loss of lives and damage caused by the recent natural disasters in AJ&K and extended prayers for the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured. He assured the Kashmiri people of Pakistan’s unwavering support in times of need.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister distributed checks and announced financial assistance for the affected families: Rs 2 million each for the deceased, Rs 500,000 for the injured, Rs 700,000 for completely damaged houses and Rs 350,000 for partially damaged houses. He called for quick completion of the surveys to expedite the distribution of funds by March 13.
Responding to Prime Minister AJ&K Shehbaz’s request, he promised the availability of NDMA helicopters for emergency relief in hilly areas. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it the country’s jugular vein.
Highlighting the problem of out-of-school children, Shehbaz suggested using mosques for educational purposes to reach out to those currently out of school.
Fatiha was offered for the recent victims of natural disasters in the area during the ceremony.
Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwaar-ul-Haq expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his support in difficult times and informed about the casualties and damage caused during the recent rains, snowfall and landslides in AJ&K.
