LAHORE: Businessmen cautioned government that signing of staff-level agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) should not be used as an excuse to retard economic growth of country.

"We understand that country cannot survive without another IMF programme. At same time, government should prioritise economic growth, provide employment and reduce inflation," remarked Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Central Vice President Ahmad Jawad while talking to members of business community. "If there is an IMF programme, who has stopped you from doubling agricultural output and increasing traditional and non-traditional exports?" he asked. Jawad stressed that IMF programme and economic growth could exist together, adding that though there would be definitely some limitations under programme, those could not be made an excuse for not advancing in different crucial areas. He called on government to play its role as "Catalyst" and provide an "Enabling environment" to private sector. "Government has to work with us to resolve issues, stop delays, address inefficiencies and create favourable environment through which private sector can work hard to increase economic growth," he said."Nation's voice is strong, when its economy is strong. If economy is weak, no one listens to voice of weak." Similarly, cheap sources of electricity should be explored and mark-up should be brought down. He demanded that government get energy audit conducted of power sector and independent power producers from reliable international firm. Some IPPs are virtually not functioning but government is paying huge amount to them. These IPPs have invested only Rs 50 billion while they are receiving Rs 400 billion from government, which is recovering this massive amount from consumers.