Lahore: Pakistan Peoples’ Party co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari while emphasising need to reassess narrative surrounding defense expenditure suggested taking inspiration from China’s approach and focusing on future planning collectively rather than individually. During his address at Charter of Economy Seminar held at FPCCI here, he stressed importance of strategic thinking and collective action to navigate challenges effectively and highlighted that country has encountered similar situations in past.

He underlined firsthand experience of business community in Punjab during five-year tenure of PPP government. Stressing significance of collective efforts, he underscored need to work together in order to enhance economy for betterment of future generations.

He said that there is need to change mindset and work for prosperity, Pakistan still has potential to move forward, defense expenditure is being propagated, there is need to promote public-private partnership in country, Gwadar was here for 70 years but no was not visible. He emphasised striving for prosperity, stressed that Pakistan still possesses untapped potential for progress. He expressed concerns over widespread narrative surrounding defense expenditure, calling for promotion of public-private partnerships within country.  event was arranged by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He said “Individuals do not matter, so let’s sit down and think beyond.” “I am not asking for donations, but your will, thought process and energy to be able to implement for what I think world of tomorrow will be,” former President clarified.

He said that people had seen PPP ruling in past, adding that his party’s government was better than that of everybody else. “We have to lift forex reserves to $ 200 billion,” he added. All Pakistani businessmen should form industrial groups and invest. “We shall guarantee [return on] your investment,” he added. “World is built by private sector and not by public sector,” he said.

He continued saying that common people were already under burden, adding that tax rates should be slashed.  He stated that economic planning should not be limited to short-term goals but should span across years. He cited China as an example, highlighting their meticulous 50-year plans. Zardari stressed importance of long-term planning for future, emphasising need for collective thinking and action rather than individual pursuits.

Meanwhile, he expressed confidence that his party would win upcoming elections in South Punjab.

Ticket holder Malik Abrar Khokhar from PP 238 Bahawalnagar met with Asif Ali Zardari. Nayyer Bukhari Central Secretary General of PPP discussed matters pertaining to party affairs and upcoming elections.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 08 2023

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