KARACHI: PM attributes growth to consistent policies
KARACHI, May 1: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that because of the consistent policies pursued and an enabling environment created by the government, the country has made substantial progress.
He was speaking as chief guest at a function held on Sunday night to celebrate and highlight the progress attained by the five departments headed by the Sindh Minister Mohammad Adil Siddiqui.
The prime minister congratulated the minister and his team for successfully managing the affairs of the departments.
He pointed out that about six-and-a-half years back, the country of 150 million people was passing through a very difficult period. “However, owing to the leadership and guidance of President General Pervez Musharraf, consistent policies, provision of enabling environment and the hard work put in, the situation was reversed and now the things are much better.”
Shaukat Aziz said that still much more was needed to be done in order to attain a rapid growth and development in the time ahead.
He said that the federal, provincial and district governments would have to play their due role in the country’s progress and development.
In this era of globalisation, there is a need to pay attention to our efficiency, productivity and competitiveness as there is no short cut.
Shaukat Aziz further stressed that attention should also be paid towards the low cost housing schemes.
Emphasising the need for fostering the spirit of integrity, discipline and honesty in society, he said media also has to play its role in this regard.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad lauded the policies and guidelines provided by President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, and observed that a visible improvement and growth was now very much on the ground.
The number of industries in the Nooriabad Industrial Estate had now risen from four until some two-and-a-half years back, to 70-78, and the number was still growing, he pointed out. Similarly, he added, the industries in Site (Karachi), Thatta, Badin and other areas of the province were showing growth.
He also referred to the textile city project and said that the federal and Sindh governments, as well as the CDGK, were working on this project.
Dr Ibad said that both the federal and provincial governments would effectively check the problems of terrorism and crime.
Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim said that the Sindh government had revised its land allotment policy to accord priority to the setting up of the industries in the province.
He said genuine investors would be given land at a price 25 per cent less than the market rates.
He said both local and foreign investors would be welcomed. Along with the land for industrial units, they would be given land for residential purpose and for setting up of educational institutions.
On the occasion, a documentary was shown to the audience on the progress attained over the past three years by the five departments headed by Mohammad Adil Siddiqui.
In his welcome address, Mr Siddiqui pledged to continue with his efforts with the same zeal for the progress and prosperity of the province and the country.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz presented a shield and Governor Dr Ibad presented a gold medal to Mohammad Adil Siddiqui in recognition of his performance.—APP
