Caretaker finance minister unimpressed by 6pc growth rate

ISLAMABAD: Newly-appointed caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction over the growth rate of the country.

While attending the cabinet meeting, she said 6 per cent growth rate is not enough for the modest development of the country’s economy.

She said this while giving a briefing to the newly nominated caretaker cabinet at a meeting which was held under the chair of Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk at the PM House.

The cabinet meeting discussed financial and security issues of the country.

Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar gave a detailed briefing on the challenges and opportunities that the country’s financial sector faces.

The finance minister informed the meeting that the caretaker government will take solid measures to improve country’s financial position which is crucial in establishing balance in external payments and trust deficit of the country.

The government measures will help in boosting public sector growth, she added.

Caretaker PM Justice (r) Mulk directed the finance minister to prepare a comprehensive and long­-term plan to boost the national economy. Nasirul Mulk also directed measures to reduce the chances of damages and loss in the energy sector.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Rashid Mirza also briefed the meeting about the prevailing law and order situation in the country.

The finance secretary informed the meeting that all possible assistance and support is being provided to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure the fairness of the forthcoming general elections.

The caretaker government was also briefed on prevailing law and order situation, administrative policies, and security situation in the country.