LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that his government was taking fiscal measures to revive the country’s economy through good governance and efforts to curb corruption, enforce fiscal discipline and widen tax base.

Talking to British International Development Secretary Justine Greening who had called on him, the prime minister said priorities of his government included reviving economy, overcoming energy shortage, eradicating extremism and promoting human rights.

He said Pakistan greatly appreciated the generous development assistance by the British government, especially in education and health sectors, and welcomed the increase in size and scope of the DFID programme, particularly in the field of education.

Collaboration in professional development, faculty training, research, academia, student exchange programmes and cultural partnerships and issues related to development and welfare were discussed at the meeting.

Earlier talking to media personnel after arriving here on a three-day official visit, Mr Sharif expressed the hope that peace talks between the government and the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan would yield positive results.

He said the government had initiated the dialogue process with sincerity, considering that it would restore stability in the country.

“If peace is established through talks and lawlessness and carnage are ended, it is a good thing,” he said.

The whole world, he added, had adopted such a mechanism. He referred to the recent UK’s experience of resolving the Irish issue.

About the situation in Karachi, Mr Sharif said he had taken measures for restoration of peace in the port city soon after assuming responsibilities of the government.

“We did not waste time. We took all parties on board.”

He said the operation being carried out in Karachi was helpful to control the situation. The government is paying special attention to restoration of peace in Karachi because the city is the economic hub and commercial centre of the country.

About his visit to the UK, Mr Sharif said it would strengthen relations between Pakistan and the UK. The agenda for the visit had already been set and he said he hoped that his meeting with the British prime minister would bring the two countries closer.

Answering a question about attack on journalist Hamid Mir, he said people should look towards the judicial commission formed by the government to investigate the incident.

Replying to a question about economic situation, he said his government had created an investment friendly environment which had motivated expatriates to invest in the country and play their role in its development.

“Economic indicators are showing upward and positive trends,” he added.

Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatimi and Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch are accompanying Mr Sharif.

On his arrival at the Heathrow Airport, Mr Sharif was received by Special Representative of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Nicholas Jarrold and other senior officials.—APP