Islamabad: Asserting government was firing on all cylinders to salvage country’s economy, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan is only country founded in name of Islam and Allah Almighty is responsible for its development and prosperity.

Addressing inauguration ceremony of Green Line Express Train service here, Dar said that he had full faith that Pakistan would progress because it was created in name of Islam.

If Allah can create Pakistan then He can also protect, develop and make it prosper, Dar added.

Finance Minister said, “They are trying their best to improve Pakistan’s condition under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership”.

Dar reiterated incumbent government inherited several problems from previous government, adding, government was working day and night. “Team is trying to improve situation ahead of elections.”

He said country is still suffering due to “Drama” that started five years ago and insisted that economy was strengthening during Nawaz’s tenure from 2013-2017.

Pakistan Stock Exchange was best-performing capital market in South Asia and ranked fifth in world during Nawaz’s era and sights of world institutions were set on it.

Dar maintained that today Pakistan was paying price for “Panama drama”, ouster of PML-N government and similar issues it faced over last five years. “Pakistan was on growth track during Nawaz’s tenure, but it was derailed,” he added.

Meanwhile, chairing First Steering Committee meeting on implementation of Federal Shariat Court’s judgment on Riba he urged upon all stakeholders to work with commitment, sincerity and understanding to overcome all hurdles in way of implementation of interest free system as already 21 percent of banks enjoy Islamic banking system.

He emphasised to include professional experts on Islamic laws in committees and also seek guidance of ulema and Islamic intellectuals into launching of additional Islamic Sukuk bonds.

Dar appreciated Governor State Bank of Pakistan for his sincere efforts in making roadmap for implementation of Islamic financing and interest free system.

Governor State Bank informed meeting that five working groups had been formed to overcome technical issues, getting recommendations and deciding on way forward for fully implementation of Islamic financing.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 28 2023

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