KARACHI: Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government is focused on strengthening the national economy, arguing that strong economy is imperative for sovereign foreign policy and provision of relief to the masses.

Due to prudent measures taken by the federal government during Covid-19 situation, the country’s economy was showing positive indicators, he pointed out.

He was speaking to the media along with the PTI vice president and Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh at the latter’s residence here on Sunday. Other PTI lawmakers were also present.

Speaking about developments in the region, Chaudhry Sarwar

Governor Sarwar said that despite economic pressures, Pakistan’s exports had increased from $20 billion to $25 billion while current account deficit, that had soared to $20 billion when PTI had assumed powers, had come down to $2 billion.

He said federal government was taking measures to provide maximum relief to the people of Karachi as well.

In reply to a question on electoral reforms, he said it was a complex issue. All political parties should sit together, discuss it in detail and evolve a consensus, he said.

The Punjab governor noted that after every election the losing sides would raise a hue and cry and claim rigging, irregularities etc. “So we should have a foolproof electoral system that could bring an end to such practices,” he stressed.

Responding to another question, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan had chosen Usman Bozdar as the chief minister of Punjab and the latter won a vote of confidence from PTI and its allied parties in the assembly. He would keep serving as the CM until he enjoyed confidence of majority in the house, he added.

He said the international community should play an effective role in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, besides implementation of UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, for sustainable peace in the region.

He observed that Afghanistan was going through rapid changes. “Pakistan has pursued a clear policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of any other country since day one.”

He recalled that Imran Khan had 18 years ago stated that war was no solution to the Afghanistan issue. A dialogue among all the stakeholders was the only way to resolve the issue, he quoted the PM as telling the world.

Highlighting the plight of the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said Pakistan would keep raising its voice against oppressive and barbaric actions of the occupation forces.

Chaudhry Sarwar said that a member of the British parliament had also opposed invasion of Afghanistan and stressed on peaceful solution.

Haleem Adil Sheikh also spoke to the media. Earlier, Mr Sheikh presented traditional gifts of Sindhi Ajrak and cap to the Punjab governor.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2021