Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi on Sunday held an important meeting at the Governor House with an 18-member delegation of leading business figures, led by Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, where both sides discussed economic affairs and matters of mutual interest in detail.
The meeting focused on promoting investment, improving the business climate and ensuring sustainable economic stability, while also reviewing opportunities for the expansion of industrial and commercial activity, and an increase in exports.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for economic recovery is being appreciated globally, adding that the government is committed to steering the country towards financial stability and renewed investor confidence.
He said that former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had always introduced business-friendly policies for the commercial sector, which played a vital role in strengthening the economy and encouraging enterprise.
During the discussion, both sides agreed on the need for a joint strategy to revive the economy, attract greater investment and create employment opportunities. The governor assured the delegation that investors would be provided with a conducive environment, necessary facilities and full protection.
The business delegation expressed full confidence in government policies, and stressed the importance of strengthening linkages between the public and private sectors to accelerate economic activity and support national development.
Hashmi also emphasised that simplicity and austerity are the need of the hour, saying that in the present circumstances, economy in public and private lives is a shared national responsibility.
On behalf of the delegation, Baig reaffirmed that the business community would continue to serve as the government’s frontline partner in efforts to improve the economy, increase investment and support the country’s broader recovery drive.
PM Sharif has also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, and support austerity measures introduced amid a global fuel crisis triggered by escalating Middle East tensions.
The premier made an appeal while chairing a review meeting on fuel conservation amid the evolving regional situation, according to a statement issued by the PM’s Office.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of measures aimed at fuel savings and austerity, with the PM saying that sufficient petroleum stocks are available in the country due to timely government decisions.
He said providing public relief remains a top priority in the current situation, adding that the government has extended maximum possible relief to citizens over the past three weeks.
To cushion the impact of rising global oil prices, the federal government allocated Rs125 billion through savings and development budget cuts to prevent an increase in petroleum prices and shield the public from direct effects of international tensions.
He appealed to the public to support the conservation campaign by avoiding unnecessary travel and prioritising teleconferencing at offices and workplaces.
Two days earlier, the PM had rejected a summary to hike petrol and high-speed diesel prices once again despite a surge in global oil rates. Addressing the nation, the premier said he had received a summary seeking a hike of Rs95 per litre for petrol and Rs203 per litre for diesel. However, he said he had rejected the summary, adding that the government would bear the additional cost instead of passing it on to the public.
