DUBAI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan has achieved macroeconomic stability over the past year through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and is now shifting focus toward economic growth.
Speaking to Pakistani business leaders and investors in Dubai on Monday, he highlighted key economic improvements:
- Inflation dropped to 2.4% in January.
- Policy rate reduced to 12%.
- Exports increased compared to last year.
- Foreign remittances reached a record $3 billion.
The government is committed to overcoming economic challenges and is moving in the right direction, focusing on key sectors such as mining, minerals, IT, and agriculture to boost growth.
Strategic Economic Sectors
- Mining & Minerals
- Collaboration with UAE and Saudi Arabia to unlock Pakistan’s mineral resources, valued in the trillions of dollars.
- Lack of past development in this sector has been a missed opportunity.
- Information Technology (IT)
- Training Pakistan’s youth (60% of the population aged 15-30) in digital skills to drive economic progress.
- Agriculture & Value Addition
- Pakistan lags behind regional competitors in per-acre crop yield due to outdated techniques.
- Government initiative: Sending 1,000 fresh agriculture graduates to China for training in modern farming techniques.
- Emphasis on value-added agriculture products to boost economic gains.
Shehbaz Sharif called for dedication, commitment, and teamwork to accelerate Pakistan’s economic transformation, assuring business leaders that their input will be considered in future economic policies.
Empowering Women in Science & Technology
On International Day for Women and Girls in Science, the PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in STEM fields.
- Global gender gap:
- Women make up less than 30% of the world’s researchers.
- In AI-related fields, only 22% of professionals are women (UNESCO statistics).
- Pakistan’s Initiatives:
- Skill development programs in robotics, AI, and digital solutions.
- Support for women-led startups.
- Increased access to research funding and scholarships.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that women’s participation in science and technology is a national priority, and the government is creating an enabling environment to ensure their equal opportunities in innovation and progress.
