The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), since its inception, has been making relentless efforts with sincerity and honesty for the development of the country's economy. The banking industry has made significant progress in recent years and the State Bank has taken a number of measures ensuring that people at large reap the benefits of economic growth, sustainability of growth momentum and competitive environment.
This was stated by SBP Governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar, while speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony held at the State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi, on Thursday to mark the 61st Independence Day. She said the Independence Day provides the nation with an opportunity to reiterate our commitment with our homeland. Dr Akhtar said that despite several problems, Pakistan as a country has come a long way since achieving Independence in 1947. She highlighted various unique features and achievements of the country and said: "We all are proud to be Pakistanis."
The SBP governor said being a leader of a national institution, she must admit that still there are several impediments in our way to progress. "Partly, we are also responsible for that as we have not aligned ourselves with the requirements of the 21st century," she added.
"We have yet to achieve self-reliance in all sectors, which is a hallmark of a sovereign and vibrant nation," she emphasised. Paying rich tributes to forefathers of the nation, Dr Akhtar said that this Day reminds us of our elders, who under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, sacrificed their lives and as a result of their unparalleled efforts, Pakistan was created.
The SBP governor paid glowing tributes to the national heroes and tens of thousands of unsung martyrs, who played a key role in the independence of the country. The ceremony was attended, among others, by SBP Deputy Governors Mansur-ur-Rehman Khan and Yaseen Anwar, senior executives, directors, officers and staff of the Bank besides families of the Bank employees.-PR