PM Advocates E-Governance for Economic Integration
- Emphasizes Transparency in Privatisation
- Highlights Milestones at PSX Gong Ceremony
- Launches Faceless Customs System and Healthcare Manual
KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of integrating the national economy through e-governance, stating on Wednesday that Pakistan had achieved favorable macroeconomic indicators. He urged government officials, investors, exporters, and stakeholders to work collectively to build on this progress.
During a packed visit to Karachi, the premier participated in the gong ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), inaugurated the Faceless Customs Assessment System at South Asia Terminals, and unveiled a clinical practice manual at the Aga Khan University (AKU).
Speaking at the PSX event, the prime minister attributed the country’s macroeconomic stability to government efforts. However, he emphasized the need to transform this stability into long-term, sustainable economic growth. He congratulated the PSX for its recent achievements and called for the prudent use of the country’s resources, coupled with the expertise of business and trade leaders, to sustain the momentum.
The premier invited the business community to submit actionable proposals to boost export-led growth and noted the potential for further reductions in interest rates, which had already decreased from 22% to 13%. However, he cautioned that any further changes must be carefully considered.
The prime minister also highlighted opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and minerals, emphasizing their potential for job creation and industrial development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparent reforms in public sector entities, including the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Economic Reforms and Fiscal Measures
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, speaking at the same event, outlined the government’s agenda to curb inflation, promote export-led growth, and implement structural reforms in taxation, energy, public sector entities, and pensions. He also highlighted ongoing rightsizing measures aimed at enhancing service delivery and reducing expenditures at both federal and provincial levels.
The finance minister announced that pre-budget consultations would begin next month to incorporate stakeholder input into the budgeting process.
Faceless Customs System
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Faceless Customs Assessment System, a significant step toward modernizing customs operations. He revealed that the time for goods declaration had been reduced from 42 hours to 19 hours during the system’s trial phase, with a target of achieving an average of 12 hours.
The premier announced a 10% cash reward for customs staff involved in additional recoveries and called for an independent evaluation of the system by IT experts.
Addressing electricity prices, he noted that reducing costs to Rs15–Rs20 per unit was essential for agricultural and export sector growth and promised discussions with provincial governments on the matter.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
At the launch of the AKU Clinical Practice Manual, the prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare. The manual, unveiled alongside a Healthcare Leadership Roundtable attended by senior policymakers and healthcare experts, includes nearly 140 guidelines addressing 80% of conditions seen in healthcare facilities.
The premier commended the Aga Khan family for their contributions to Pakistan’s social and economic development. Reflecting on his tenure as Punjab chief minister, he cited the establishment of world-class facilities like Sheikh Zayed Hospital as examples of his commitment to healthcare.
He emphasized the role of institutions like AKU and the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute in addressing healthcare challenges, bridging gaps in service, and empowering the nation’s healthcare system to meet citizens’ needs.
Dr. Adil Haider, dean of AKU’s Medical College and editor-in-chief of the manual, described the document as a transformative guide to improving patient care across the country.
