No politics over corona: Shahbaz

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif has demanded that the federal government reduce POL prices to Rs70/litre, which will not have any financial bearing on the government kitty. Addressing a consultative meeting with businessmen, traders and industrialists through video link here on Thursday, Shahbaz said as much as it is necessary to stay at home, it is equally important to run businesses and employments to ensure basic livelihood of people, especially the poor strata of the society. “The decline of exports up to 50 per cent due to the ongoing crisis may have negative impact on the investment sector in the country,” he said, adding that the PML-N’s National Action Plan would have pulled country out of crisis, but the real challenge is the lack of resolve, seriousness and ability to combat the coronavirus crisis in the country.

He expressed the fear that the negative growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and increase in unemployment rate in the country emphasizes the need to guide and help the business community. He expressed sympathies for small and big traders for the economic hardships as a result of the current healthcare crisis in the country.

Shahbaz termed maintaining social distancing crucial to defeat coronavirus, while standing up to the challenge of keeping the wheel of economy running. “Coronavirus has left deep imprints on the stock exchange and business activities in the country,” he said and termed it the most difficult challenge for lives. He promised to prepare a Charter of Demand based on suggestions of the business community, which will be presented to the government for implementation.

He said when the PML-N took charge of the country under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the circumstances were not easy, but with strong will, the PML-N brought the country out of every crisis including the electricity crisis and terrorism and eventually brought the country’s economy back on track. “During the PML-N tenure, the growth rate was 5.8 per cent, inflation was down to 3 per cent and the policy rate remained at 6.5 per cent despite unfavourable circumstances. “All sectors including agriculture, industry and production, trade and import and export showed signs of progress,” he said, adding that the PML-N worked hard to improve health and education sector, established Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, urology centres and hospitals at the Tehsil and district level. He said the PML-N had established a network of testing laboratories and provided latest medical equipment in far-flung areas of Punjab.

He appreciated the resilience of the business community which bravely confronted every challenge and always came out of every crisis with flying colours. However, he said it was time for collective action as we have to take care of industrialists, shopkeepers, daily wagers and labourers in these difficult times. He appealed to businessmen to show empathy towards daily wagers, labourers and white-collar people and help them in their financial hardships.

The business community and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Punjab welcomed Shahbaz’s consultation with the business community and termed it a timely action as part of his responsibility as the opposition leader. “It will help convey the business community’s concerns to the nation and the government in this hour of trial,” they added.

Shahbaz Sharif said under the instructions of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, they would keep politics aside and work together to make concerted efforts to fight this pandemic and difficult economic state in the country.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang for supporting Pakistan during this hour of need. “The personal protective equipment, masks, medical equipment and other material gifted by our great friend China are critical to fighting COVID-19. We are determined to fight it together,” he added.