ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the government was committed to providing all-out facilities to the business community.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad Thursday to review the steps taken for the promotion of industry in the country, the premier said promoting industry and facilitating opportunities for wealth creation are among the top priorities of the incumbent government.
Welcoming the proposals regarding the tariff system, the premier said these measures will not only remove problems faced by the business community but also provide traders conducive environment so that Pakistani products are better able to compete in the region and enhance their share in the international market.
Meanwhile, chairing another meeting in Islamabad today on measures taken to control the prices of essential items and inflation, PM Imran directed to keep a constant check on prices of wheat and flour in the country and improve coordination with provinces.
PM Imran Khan said the difference in wholesale and retail prices of essential items indicate profiteering and hoarding which can be curtailed by effective actions at the administrative level.
Earlier, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on steps taken to control the prices of wheat and flour in the country and their impact.
The meeting expressed satisfaction on the release of 650,000 tons of wheat from PASSCO reserves by ECC and hoped that the step will help control the prices of wheat and flour.
Meanwhile, World Bank President David Malpass on Thursday met Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.
During the meeting, matters pertaining to the country’s economy and other issues came under discussion.
The meeting also discussed providing quality education, skills and health facilities to the masses, while matters relating to providing conducive environment for business and employment also came under discussion.
David Malpass on the occasion said, “My visit to Pakistan provides a good opportunity to discuss need for important reforms to stabilize Pakistani economy and accelerate broad-based growth.”
World Bank President David Malpass arrived in Pakistan Thursday and visited Tarbela Dam. He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda.
The World Bank President inspected different parts, including Tarbela Dam, Tarbela Hydel Power Station and the powerhouse of the Tarbela-4 Extension Hydropower project.
He lauded the present government for efforts to bring improvement in the water resources sector, including removal of hiccups in the completion of the Dasu Hydropower project and construction of dams.
Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Vawda said steps are being taken under a comprehensive strategy to improve water resources in the country. He expressed confidence that the water resources sector and hydropower will further grow with the cooperation of the World Bank.
The minister thanked the World Bank President for extending cooperation in water resources projects.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir has met Prime Minister Imran Khan where he has given a briefing over the current economic situation.
Dr Reza Baqir called on PM Imran Khan where they exchanged views on the latest economic situation.
The SBP governor briefed the premier regarding the matters related to the central bank and financial affairs, whereas, they both discussed the foreign reserves and stability of the national currency against the US dollar.
Sources said that SBP Baqir has also apprised Prime Minister over the financial strategies to control interest and inflation rates.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAAW) across the country at an official level.
According to the details, PM Imran directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony to make arrangements to host international Seerat-e-Rehmat-ul-Alameen (SAW) Conference.
He also directed all the provincial governments to organize seminars and conferences to highlight the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The prime minister said that Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAAW) will be celebrated across the county with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
Earlier on October 29, the new Islamic month, Rabiul Awwal’s moon had been sighted for which the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee had made the announcement.
The auspicious day of 12 Rabiul Awwal (Eid Milad-un-Nabi) which is juxtaposed with the final prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad’s (SAAW) birth will fall on November 10, Sunday.
Chairman of the committee Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman had presided over the gathering this evening at Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) office.
Zonal committees from Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta had also gathered evidence and witnesses regarding moon sightings. – NNI