KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan said on Monday that our top priority would be employment generation through rapid industrialization and enhancement of exports, attracting foreign and domestic investment through creating conducive environment and eliminating corruption”
Khan further said that Pakistan was unable to receive the desired foreign direct investment (FDI) because foreign investors believed their capital was not safe due to prevalent corruption in the country.
“If our party comes into power, it will reduce tax rates in order to increase its collection. Tax collection is a big problem in Pakistan because people do not trust FBR,” said Imran Khan. It is unfortunate that the government is using the FBR to victimize business people and politicians who speak against them,” Khan added.
Khan further said that there is lack of security for business community compelling them to shift their industries to other countries.
PTI MNA Asad Umar commented that unless the FBR machinery was overhauled, tax reforms could not be brought in Pakistan. “Finance Minister Ishaq Dar thinks everything is fine with the economy as far as the FBR is collecting the desired amount in taxes. Much of our economic issues, including a fast decline in exports, are due to the policies of our finance minister, who has throttled the economic growth,” he said.
Asad Umar also informed that the PTI wass considering formation of Business Advisory Council and Economic Advisory Council under the chairmanship of PTI Chief Imran Khan for consultation with all the stakeholders to finalize the Charter of Economy in the larger interest of the country.
He further said that the draft of proposed PTI’s Industrial & Textile Policy would be released soon and publicly discussed by all the stakeholders. There is a need to give a serious thought to developing a strong and attractive ndustrial policy for Pakistan with the objective of accelerating industrial growth, Asad Umar added.
Earlier, SITE Association’s President Mr. Jawed Bilwani while addressing the gathering said that Karachi is the industrial and commercial hub of Pakistan which generates more than 54% revenue for the national exchequer and 90% for the Sindh government. Karachi holds the 60%’s lion’s share of exports.
He said that during the sixties, industrialization was at peak in Karachi and employment opportunities were quite abundant. “At that time, Karachi had mass transit and circular railway systems. Pakistan’s first Effluent Treatment Plant was also established in Karachi in the year 1964. However, all these projects are now a past history and do not exist anymore.
While asking Khan to highlight his party’s vision on Pakistan’s economy, he said: “Tell us about your party’s manifesto and strategy to enhance Pakistan’s declining exports”.
Published in Daily Times, October 24th 2017.
