Government will focus more on privatisation policy: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said the government will focus more on privatisation policy, which has been initiated with the sale of a fertiliser factory.Addressing the business community at Iftar dinner hosted by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan at Governor House.
The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to taking necessary steps to improve law and order situation to boost economic activities in the country. The State Bank Governor, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Sindh Chief Minister, Sindh Assembly Speaker, federal and provincial ministers and large number of dignitaries from business community attended the programme. He noted that Karachi is the hub of the country's economy and the government realises the importance of this mega city.
He said the government also realises that stable political system is necessary to boost economic activities in the country and despite having majority, People's Party decided to form coalition governments in the centre and also all provinces. "Actually we wanted to revive the confidence of the business community that the government is stable and they can do their businesses with full courage," he added.
He assured the business community that the government will listen to their problems and will try to solve them. "The government is committed to providing them a peaceful environment to run their businesses," he said. He asked the business community to join hands with the government to curb extremism so that economic activities could pick up in the country.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the present government has taken many unpopular decisions to put the country's economy on right track. The Prime Minister said there in no clash between the government institutions. The parliament is supreme and all the institutions were working under a democratic system, he added.
He pointed out that the government was working on a three-pronged policy to improve law and order situation in the northern parts of the country. Firstly, he said the government wants dialogue with the peace-loving elements in those areas.
The government wants to bring them in the mainstream politics to eliminate their sense of deprivation. Secondly, the government wants to improve the life standard of the people of tribal areas with providing them better health and education facilities. The government also wants to provide more job opportunities to the people of tribal areas. Finally, he said, the government will take serious action against those who are challenging the writ of the government.
The Prime Minister said now the people of tribal areas are joining hands with the government and setting up their 'Lashkars' to curb extremism in tribal areas. Earlier, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, in his address of welcome said the government was facing challenges of extremism and terrorism.
He said that a number of business community leaders met the Prime Minister and informed him about their problems and their concerns about the country's deteriorating economy. "We all - the government, people and business community will have to join hands to face all challenges," Gilani added.