ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said country’s sound economic growth was linked with its political stability. “Without political stability, even billions of budget could not make difference in improving economic situation,” he said at Cabinet meeting, which approved budgetary proposals of fiscal year 2023-24.

He said common man was bearing brunt of inflation, however, government was taking steps to provide them relief in budget. Government, he said accepted all requirements of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and hoped that staff-level agreement would be reached in near future.

Since assumption of power 14 months ago, he added, it had to deal with challenge of IMF, post-flood situation and global inflation, he added.

He expressed satisfaction that current deficit in 10 months was reduced to $ 3.3 billion and hoped that agriculture sector would boost. He appointed Rohail Sheikh as his adviser and expressed hope that he would fulfill his responsibilities with diligence. Cabinet also accorded approval to Finance Bill 2023.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar presented budgetary proposals with an estimated outlay of Rs 14 trillion in National Assembly. This was second budget in 14 months being presented by coalition government under banner of Pakistan Democratic Movement.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 10 2023

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