PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges Focus on Jobs, Exports, Growth Post-Crisis

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the National Economic Council (NEC), Pakistan’s highest constitutional forum for economic planning. He stated that the country has moved past the crisis phase and must now focus on jobs, exports, and GDP growth.

Despite significant challenges, macroeconomic stability has been achieved in Pakistan, according to Sharif. However, he warned of more difficult work ahead, emphasizing the need for “introducing incentives” to accelerate GDP and move beyond stability.

Sharif credited cooperation between federal and provincial governments for navigating an energy price spike driven by global geopolitical issues and successfully implementing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. He also noted that the federal government spent Rs128 billion from its own resources to manage the petroleum crisis.

The NEC meeting, initially set for May 22, was postponed twice before convening on Wednesday. Chief ministers of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan attended in person; Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was absent due to illness.

On security, Sharif stated that strengthening defenses and curbing terrorism are the current biggest challenges. He expressed confidence that terrorism would soon be eliminated, praising the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, along with law enforcement and security personnel, for their sacrifices.

During a detailed discussion with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Tuesday, Sharif said she was “extremely appreciative” of Pakistan’s sincere efforts.