SWABI: Speakers in a function here on Saturday advocated austerity measures by the ruling elite for the revival of the country’s economy.

They also urged politicians to shun differences and work together to address the current economic crisis for the people’s development.

The event was organised by the Swabi Electronic and Print Media Association on ‘Pakistan Feeble Economy and Our Leaders Responsibilities’.

The organisers invited academicians only to it to suggest ways and means for economic revival.

The speakers said wrong policies and priorities by the successive governments, unjust perks and privileges for the ruling elite, writing off of the loans and blatant violation of the rule of law and merit over the years had caused the current serious economic mess in the country.

Prof Mukhtiar Khan said the country’s all politicians, bureaucrats and heads of state institutions should ‘render sacrifices’ and take austerity steps to help revive economy.

Prof Bakhtiar said economic recovery was a big challenge for political leaders, who should take measures to put the economy back on track for the people’s development.

Prof Mohammad Uzair Ali said economy was in a bad shape and needed ‘devotion and determination’ by the ruling elite for its development.

He said the people were to struggling to make ends meet due to the surging prices of essential commodities and were fast becoming hopeless about economic revival.

International affairs expert Qaiser Khan said loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank came with strict conditions, which were set for the implementation of their agenda.

SEPMA president Mohammad Farooq said it was time for parties from across the political divide to shun differences and join hands to improve the country’s economy and if that didn’t happen, the coming generations wouldn’t forgive them.

Published in Dawn,June 19th, 2022