Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again invited the opposition for negotiations.  Chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad , he emphasized the need to resolve issues through dialogue to promote economic development and strengthen democracy. He said the government has consistently expressed its readiness for constructive dialogue with the opposition. He said it is now up to the opposition to decide when it is ready to come to the negotiating table. 

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over increase in IT exports, mentioning that these rose by eighteen percent in the month of July. He said the government is making efforts to introduce digital technology across all sectors and emphasized the need to fully digitize the governance system. Shehbaz Sharif was appreciative of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team for introducing Fixed Tax Scheme for the retailers. He said he has directed the FBR that there should be no harassment of the retailers. 

The Prime Minister credited the Minister for Petroleum and his team for reduction in the price of diesel by thirty two rupees per liter, describing it as a welcome development. Referring to the situation in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is consistently pursuing efforts for reduction in tensions and improvement of situation in the region. He said the government has taken steps over the last two and a half years to bring improvement in economy. He said normalization of situation in the region is also important for our economy.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)