|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 21 November 2004 |
 |
|
 |
World |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Pakistan PM foresees up to 10 percent annual growth rate ISLAMABAD, (AFP) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Friday said his country could achieve up to 10 percent annual growth rate by utilising its human and natural resources, and emerge in the next few years as an "economic giant". "By utilising the potential and ability of people and exploiting available natural resources, we can move forward with eight to 10 percent annual growth," Aziz said in his maiden address to the nation on state television. Aziz said Pakistan's unique geographical location could make it an "economic power house". "We are strategically located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East and can be a source of peace and security and economic stability in the region," he said. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Pakistan's economic growth to be maintained at around 6.5 percent during the current financial year, ending on June 30, 2005, due to strong domestic and external demand. Despite impressive economic recovery, grinding poverty remains one of the biggest challenges for Aziz, with one-third of the country's population living below the poverty line compared with one-fifth 15 years ago. Unemployment runs at 9.9 percent in urban areas and 7.8 percent nationwide, according to Asian Development Bank. But Aziz said: "If we continue with patience and tolerance, the economic progress will continue and in the next few years not only will unemployment reduce but Pakistan will also emerge as a strong economic giant." Aziz said his government had given top priority to improving law and order in the country. "No society can make progress when the people are not safe," he said. The government would provide better weapons, mobility equipment and additional resources to police for this purpose, he said. Aziz also announced some key reforms to the police department and said no policeman will be able to arrest any citizen on mere suspicion without the permission of his senior officials. "Police officials showing impartiality during investigations will be liable to punishment," Aziz said. Aziz also unveiled measures to reform the judicial system which is plagued by long delays for trials and judgments. "The courts are unable to meet the requirements of providing speedy justice to the masses, which ... is an important requirement for a society," Aziz said. "I believe that justice delayed is in fact justice denied and this trend has to be changed. "Changes are being brought into the justice system and its procedures will be simplified." Aziz, a former Citibank executive, entered politics as finance minister after Musharraf's 1999 coup and still retains the finance ministry, after being elected premier last August. He is credited with restoring Pakistan's economy from near bankruptcy. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
