Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed all ministries to work harder to meet the nation’s expectations, warning against any deficiencies in the implementation of the government’s downsizing agenda.
“I will not allow my time to waste and I am sure you will not allow your time to be wasted,” he said during an address to the federal cabinet. “The only thing that will make the difference is action and implementation. Roll up your sleeves as this is a matter of country, its resources and resolution of its issues,” he stressed.
Apprising the cabinet of his visits to Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, he referred to his interactions with world leaders, particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he had formed a committee under Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal for follow-ups. He said he had also recently chaired a meeting to review progress on implementing policies discussed in his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during his China visit.
Updating the cabinet on the government’s ongoing initiatives, he said the solarization of 28,000 tube-wells in Balochistan was initiated to save Rs. 80 billion annually. He appreciated the Balochistan chief minister and relevant ministries and departments for taking the project to the implementation stage. He said the finance ministry was working on a business plan to solarize a million tube-wells nationwide, lamenting they were currently running on imported fuel that cost the national exchequer $3.5 billion in foreign exchange. He emphasized that Pakistan must utilize its immense potential for solar energy to save energy costs and provide low-cost electricity to farmers.
“Time is running fast and we are racing against time. You have to accept the challenge and deliver. You will become the nation’s heroes … if you bring about a revolution of development in your ministries. For this, we will have to work day and night,” he said.
Downsizing
On his government’s downsizing agenda, the premier defended his decision to shutter the Public Works Department, adding alternative solutions were already in place. “I will not tolerate if any ministry used delaying tactics. Please make no mistake about it. It is okay if there is any valid reason for any subsidiary but protecting any entity for the sake of perks and privileges is a thing of the past, not today. It will not happen and it must not happen,” he said.
Sharif noted that Pakistan spends $5 billion on freight of exports and imports but the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation received Rs. 5 billion for salaries despite a fleet of just 12 ships. By contrast, he said, Bangladesh had around 600 ships and India had 1,500. “But no one cares. At least they should have flagged the issues to seek their resolution,” he said, lamenting about the evasion of import duties worth Rs. 1,200 billion at Karachi Port.
The prime minister also updated the cabinet on the Rs. 50 billion subsidy for lifeline electricity consumers for the next three months, and urged lawmakers to use this time to boost fiscal space for sustainable relief. He said the government had imposed taxes on the real estate sector to generate Rs. 100 billion in revenue and end the culture of tax evasion.
“This cannot go for long. We need to bring deep structural reforms and take bitter pills. I pray that this should be the last IMF program but it needs sacrifices,” he said and urged ministers to devise plans to boost exports. “I beg of you in the name of Pakistan. Let us stand up and accept the challenge, move forward in unison and create a difference as the nation wants results,” he added.
During the meeting, the prime minister also asked the interior minister and interior secretary to ensure coordination with all provinces during Muharram and extend the maximum possible support to ensure security for public gatherings.