Avoid cynicism, undue criticism of state institutions, President Alvi tells businessmen
In meeting with Lahore-based industrialists, President Alvi asks for patience as reforms show results
February 24, 2020
LAHORE: President Arif Alvi on Sunday said that there was a need to avoid cynicism and undue criticism of state institutions as there were positive signals that the worst for the economy of the country was over, and it was now in the process of recovery, reported The News.
The president made the remarks while meeting a group of Lahore-based industrialists and businessmen at a dinner-reception hosted by Nishat Group Chairman Mian Mansha for the president and first lady Mrs Samina Alvi.
The meeting followed a similar gathering that the president had attended with Karachi-based businessmen earlier this month.
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Also present in the meeting were Kohinoor Group Chairman Tariq Saigol, Pak-Elektron Ltd Chairman Nasim Saigol, Siddiqsons Group Chairman Tariq Rafi, FPCCI President Anjum Nisar, former foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri, and Nestle Pakistan Chairman Syed Yawar Ali.
During the meeting, the business expressed their concern with President Arif Alvi about the economic slowdown in the country that had resulted in jobs retrenchments. They also asked for early redress of the issues for country’s economic revival, The News reported.
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Speaking at the dinner, the president said the government was cognizant of the fact that Pakistan was undergoing economic difficulties, but there were clear positive signals that the worst was over and country’s economy and indeed society were in the process of recovery.
“The business community has rendered invaluable services to the development of Pakistan and we request you all for a little more patience while the government’s reform process takes root and demonstrates results," President Alvi said on the occasion.
"There is also a need to avoid cynicism and undue criticism of state institutions," he added, assuring the business community of all out government support. "The government will continue to engage with the business community for improving business environment" he said.
Leading businessman Mian Mansha, while addressing on the occasion, said that due to economic slowdown in the country, people were losing jobs on account of retrenchments which need to be addressed effectively, and inefficient state- owned enterprises were running in loss.
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"This has to be offset with tax money, which could otherwise be spent on the people’s welfare. The government needs to privatise these entities for avoiding further losses to the national exchequer," he noted. However, he acknowledged the government’s successes in improving the security situation.
"Prospects of peace in Afghanistan are also encouraging as it will improve security and economic activity in the region and allow enhancement of cross-border trade between Pakistan, Afghanistan and into Central Asia," he mentioned.
Originally published in The News
