RAWALPINDI, May 25: President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday called for optimal utilisation of resources for visible improvement in the life of the common man by initiating development projects and creating jobs at the grassroots level.

Speaking at a presentation on the Public Sector Development Programme, also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the president reaffirmed his commitment for using the country’s economic turnaround for poverty reduction and sustainable socio-economic development.

“We must utilise sources available to bring about a qualitative change in the lives of people and ensure wider distribution of economic benefits,” he said. He expressed the hope that the government would achieve a 7 per cent GDP growth this year.

The president was informed that in view of economic growth and the inflow of investment, the country was expected to create 1.5 million jobs each year.

The president said the federal government would act as a catalyst in helping provinces to generate more jobs.

“We must strive for creating additional employment opportunities next financial year,” he said. “While mega projects like construction of water reservoirs would produce tremendous business activity and create jobs, we must also encourage self-employment in both rural and urban areas to step up socio-economic development at local level.”—APP

Ihtasham ul Haque adds: At a separate meeting, the president asked the prime minister to ensure that the inflation rate was brought down to 8 per cent by June 30 from the existing 8.4 per cent.

The president called for ‘substantial relief’ to be provided to the common man in the budget to help him overcome his financial difficulties, particularly those created by rising prices.