Punjab CM calls for unity to create own resources for national economy

KARACHI: Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday called for unity, vision and serious efforts to create own resources for a strong national economy and fast development of the country.

The business community can play its best role in this regard, he said while speaking at an "Iftar- dinner" hosed for him by President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senator Haji Ghulam Ali here.

Prominent personalities were Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, former chief minister Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, PML-N MNA Khwaja Asif, well known business leaders Tariq Sayeed, S.M. Muneer, Engr. M.A. Jabbar, Vice Presidents FPCCI Engr. Muhammad Usman Shaikh, Muhammad Dawood Jakhura, S. Khalid Tawab, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig.

Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif said "we should focus on China more vigorously for promotion of bilateral trade and investment. China and Pakistan are trusted friends and have great potential to the benefit of both the nations".

The bilateral trade of China and India is around dollars 60 billion while the volume of bilateral trade of China and Pakistan is very low, he noted.

He urged the people to stand up and join hands for the dignity, progress and prosperity of the Quaid's Pakistan.

He underlined the need for elimination of corruption at all levels of the society and rule of law in the country.

He showed serious concern over the law and order situation in the country, especially in Karachi.

Better law and order is very essential for growth of trade and industry in the country, he added.

President FPCCI Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, Vice President of Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce, former president FPCCI Tariq Sayeed, and former president FPCCI and President India-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry S.M. Muneer urged all political parties to sit together and sign a charter on "Future of Pakistan Economy" on the pattern of Charter of Democracy, to ensure consistency and stability in economic and financial policies of the country.

They spoke of the problems facing trade and industry mainly law and order.

They sought cooperation and support from all national political parties to bring peace and security in the country as economic prosperity and development purely depend on it.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011