Former interim minister Gohar Ejaz said on Tuesday that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Asim Munir maintains a strong relationship with the business community.
Speaking on Samaa TV programme "Nadeem Malik Live," Ejaz lavished his praise on the Pakistan Army. "During conflict with India, the armed forces proved themselves among the finest in the world," said Ejaz. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Field Marshal are overseeing all matters consistently to ensure economic stability.
"The government is making every effort to support the business sector," he said. Referring to economic policy, he said: "The need for sustainable growth and stated that Rs3 trillion is being spent to prevent the economy from overheating."
Ejaz urged that national spending must prioritise dam construction and defence, rather than interest payments. He called for a reduction in the prevailing interest rate from 11 per cent to 9 per cent, arguing that the current rate has not resulted in a boom-and-bust cycle.
He proposed a 10 per cent growth target, stating that such a strategy could lead to a 35 per cent expansion of the national economy.
Turning to the energy sector, Ejaz said: "Pakistan possesses surplus electricity, yet continues to operate under a six-hour peak tariff system introduced in 2016, during a period of power shortage."
He demanded an end to the peak tariff regime and advocated for a uniform 24-hour industrial tariff to boost production and enhance industrial activity.
Ejaz appealed to the government to place trust in domestic industry, address the concerns of the business community and accelerate the pace of economic reform.
