KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a visit to Karachi, emphasized the importance of integrating Pakistan’s economy through e-governance and building on recent macroeconomic improvements. He urged investors, exporters, and government officials to work together to transform stability into sustainable growth.
The PM had a packed schedule, starting with a ceremony at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Addressing attendees, he praised the stock exchange’s progress and stressed the need to maintain the momentum for economic growth by effectively utilizing the country’s natural resources and expertise. He also assured the business community of the government’s openness to their suggestions, particularly for achieving export-led growth.
Later, the PM inaugurated the Faceless Customs Assessment System at Karachi Port, a move aimed at streamlining customs processes. The new system has already reduced goods declaration times from 42 hours to 19 hours during its trial phase, with a target of reaching 12 hours. PM Shehbaz lauded the progress and proposed involving IT experts to independently evaluate the system’s performance.
In another significant event, the PM launched the Aga Khan University (AKU) Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and quality. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan’s healthcare sector, including limited rural access and a lack of skilled professionals. Shehbaz praised AKU’s efforts, describing them as vital in addressing these issues and advancing healthcare standards.
The prime minister also reiterated his government’s focus on transparency in the privatization of public entities, such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and suggested that interest rates, recently reduced from 22% to 13%, could be further lowered prudently.
Throughout his visit, PM Shehbaz called for collaborative efforts across sectors, emphasizing that economic growth, administrative efficiency, and quality healthcare are all essential to Pakistan’s progress.
