KARACHI: Business magnate Arif Habib has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to extend gesture of reconciliation to his incarcerated political opponent, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and improve relations with neighbouring countries, especially India.

Habib's counsel came during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's address to business community at ceremony, where premier expressed confidence that Pakistan's exports would double over next five years with support of business community.

"Having engaged with Pakistan Peoples' Party and other parties, I urge you to engage two more times: once with our neighbours, including India and once with inmates of Adiala Jail," Habib advised premier during Q&A session.

Businessman commended PM Shehbaz for elevating stock market to record levels and securing bailout package from International Monetary Fund during his previous tenure as Prime Minister.

In his address, PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his confidence in Pakistan's export potential, stressing that collaboration with business community would be pivotal in achieving this goal.

Regarding sugar situation, he mentioned government's intention to export surplus stock and combat smuggling. He highlighted positive macroeconomic indicators under interim and current governments, including surplus current account, increasing remittances, declining inflation and record progress in stock exchange.

Shehbaz assured to conclude privatisation process in transparent way without any bureaucratic delay, saying government would consult business community before going to conclude any transaction.

He said it was not government's job to run businesses as private sector was responsible to run business and play their due role in country's development and prosperity.

Shehbaz said that an amount of Rs 2.7 trillion of tax money was stuck in litigation, adding that government was trying to get decisions of cases as soon as possible.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 25 2024

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