Co-chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reiterated the importance of a “charter of economy” to improve the country’s economic situation.
Addressing the business community at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he emphasized on collective efforts to build consensus among all stakeholders on the “charter of economy”.
The idea of a charter of economy was initially proposed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and gained traction before last year’s budget, shortly after the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government came to power following the ouster of former Premier Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in April.
This concept aims to foster collaboration among all stakeholders to develop a framework for improving Pakistan’s economy.
During his address, Zardari emphasized the goal of achieving “double-digit exports” for the country, asserting that Pakistan possessed abundant resources to achieve this target without relying heavily on foreign investors.
He urged the big businessmen of Punjab to unite and establish industry groups, encouraging them to invest from their own pockets while offering guarantees for loans and investments.
Zardari underscored that the economy should be viewed as a long-term endeavor for the betterment of future generations.
He also emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships, stating that politicians and governments formulate policies, while the responsibility of running businesses and the country rested with the private sector.
Referring to his previous discussions with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief in Parliament, Zardari said he also asked him for dialogue and collaboration beyond individual tenures.
“I have told the PTI chief in Parliament in the past to sit down and do whatever you can do with us. I am used to being in Lahore in the jail rather than at home, but that’s not important because individuals don’t matter.
“But sit down on a charter of economy with us. Let’s talk to each other. Because you are also going to one day pass away and I am also going to one day pass away … But let’s sit down and think beyond. And not for [just] five years, 10 years or 15 years.”
He emphasized the need for a collective and forward-thinking approach, highlighting the importance of thinking beyond short-term periods.
Zardari called upon businesspeople to collectively develop the charter of economy, expressing support for those who align themselves with this initiative and implying that their cooperation would be reciprocated, while asserting that lack of alignment would result in non-support.
