ISLAMABAD: In his effort to establish a long-term economic vision, interim Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq Kakar has directed the Ministry of Planning to formulate a comprehensive five-year plan and a national economic agenda.
The Planning Ministry has received a dual mandate: first, to establish various working groups responsible for creating the next five-year plan, spanning from 2023-24 to the fiscal year 2028-29, and second, to formulate a national economic agenda aimed at revitalizing the national economy in the long term.
As part of this framework, the Planning Ministry holds a critical role in harmonizing and consolidating a range of initiatives, including the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Green Pakistan, Vision 2035, and the 5Es (Exports, Environment and Climate Change, Equity, and Empowerment Framework). This document will be integrated into the overarching five-year plan.
Additionally, the ministry, with the mandate to develop a strategy for enhancing Gwadar’s connectivity and eliminating barriers to infrastructure improvement, underscores the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and development.
Gwadar’s connectivity remains of utmost importance, as the Planning Commission’s Central Development Working Party (CDWP) will review, for the third time, the revised cost of Gwadar International Airport, which amounts to Rs60 billion.
Meeting with businessmen
During a meeting with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the Prime Minister discussed ongoing trade promotion efforts with neighboring countries. He also highlighted a recent nationwide crackdown on smuggling, which received support from neighboring nations.
The Prime Minister recognized the business community’s vital role in economic development and job creation and emphasized government initiatives such as tax system digitalization and improvements in the power sector. He stressed the need for increased tax collection to enhance the country’s economic conditions.
He observed, “There can’t be any improvement in the country’s economic conditions unless there is an increase in tax collection.”
