Federal Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani has said that the government is going to launch a mega 'self-employment project' under which 1.8 million people would get jobs in next five years while 400,000 people would be provided jobs in next financial year. He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Thursday.
LCCI President Mian Shafqat Ali, Senior Vice-President Abdul Basit, Vice-President Aftab Ahmad Vohra, former LCCI President Iftikhar Ali Malik, Chairman PIAF Mian Abuzar Shad and former Senior Vice President Sohail Lashari were also present on the occasion.
The Federal Information Minister who spoke at length on various issues said that special initiatives are being taken to provide relief to the masses, as the government is well aware of the fact that the high utility prices are affecting the common man's life. He said that the price-control mechanism had already been activated and in coming days people would see the results for themselves. The government would use the media aggressively to control the escalating prices of essential items in the country, he added.
About load-shedding, Durrani said that a solid strategy had been evolved to cover up electricity shortage in the country and in this regard the government was seeking help of the private sector. "Now from onwards there would be no load-shedding and if need arises it would be made with the understanding of private sector," he added.
He further said that the private sector was playing a very crucial role for the economic well-being of the country for which the Federal government is highly indebted to the Lahore Chamber.
He said nobody would be allowed to disrupt the process of reforms initiated by President Pervez Musharraf, as continuity in policies was a key to the success. He said that there would be no Martial Law in future, as the democratic institutions have gained enough strength in the country. "No country could afford U-turn after a short period," he added.
He said in future the elections would be held in free and fair manner, and assured that all the future governments would complete their tenures of five years. He admitted that law and order situation was the biggest challenge and the government was taking necessary steps in this regard.
According to him, the government would establish first Media University of Islamic World in Pakistan; so that in future the country could play leading role in this region. He said the present government has ensured freedom of press and it has nothing to hide. Now every type of defence purchase is taking place after the approval of the Cabinet.
While talking to newsmen, the minister said that the world is facing the challenge of terrorism and Pakistan is also one of the affectees. He said that the challenge has to be tackled with comprehensive policies rather than pointing fingers on other countries.
On Wage Board Award, he said that the Information Ministry has planned a meeting with the APNS, which would be held soon. He claimed that the present government has taken steps for the welfare of workers.
Talking about the recent statements of the opposition leaders sitting outside Pakistan, he said that they are non-elected and irresponsible politicians, and are giving irresponsible statements, which is damaging their creditability among the people. The purpose of such statements was to draw media attraction, he added.
He further said that Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman is an experienced politician and knows the weakness of the opposition leaders sitting abroad; it is right of him to play with their weakness.
About the political stability in the country, he said that under the leadership of Pervez Musharraf, Shaukat Aziz and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain the country is politically stable and the system is working smoothly, which continue in future as well.
On Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan's statement of 'surprise', Durrani said that there is no room for surprise in politics; it only happens in novels, dramas and movies. However, they would get a surprise in the next elections, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Mian Shafqat Ali said that the government should take steps to reduce trade deficit which is now touching the figure of 12 billion dollar. He also urged the minister to help bring the prices of utilities down, as the same are leaving Pakistani goods non-competitive in the global market hence the country was losing its due share.
He said Pakistan's economy had posted a growth of 6.6 percent in its GDP during the year 2005-06 against the last year's growth of 8.6 percent. "The growth in agriculture was 2.5 percent against 6.7 percent, manufacturing 6 percent against 12.6 percent and in commodities producing sector 4.3 percent against 9.2 percent. The only sector, which posted higher growth in 2005-06, was the services sector, which grew by 8.8 percent against 8 percent last year.
This shows that the economy has not been able to sustain the momentum of growth experienced during 2004-05. The government should think seriously as to why manufacturing and agriculture sectors have missed their targets and come out with some package to achieve the growth next year," he added.
The LCCI President said that the rule of law is one of the most essential pre-requisites to keep the businesses flourishing in the country. "Unfortunately despite heavy investment by the government to improve the situation, there is no improvement in the law and order situation in the country," he pointed out.
Earlier, the Federal Minister inaugurated the LCCI Production House.
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