ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik said on Saturday that the economic policies under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership are yielding positive results.
He noted a significant decrease in food inflation, dropping from 48% to 2%, and overall inflation falling from 38% to 12%.
Addressing a press conference here at the federal capital, Dr. Malik said that the gradual reduction in inflation and improved economic indicators reflect the country’s movement towards stability. The government’s top priorities include reducing poverty, controlling inflation, and creating job opportunities for the youth.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, the current federal budget allocates Rs 600 billion to uplift the poor. Additionally, funds are being directed towards the construction of dams, roads, and motorways, which are expected to generate employment. Development projects are particularly focused on underdeveloped areas to benefit local communities.
Dr. Malik also highlighted that Rs 50 billion has been earmarked to protect 86% of electricity consumers for the next three months. The government is committed to enhancing public welfare through improvements in healthcare, digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the privatization of state-owned enterprises.
Criticizing the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, Dr. Malik alleged that it had provided $4 billion to the wealthiest individuals during its tenure. He also accused PTI of obstructing efforts to combat terrorism and critiqued the opposition’s focus on destructive politics and confrontational tactics rather than constructive solutions.
Dr. Malik took particular aim at the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), condemning their attacks on state institutions and their promotion of sit-ins without offering viable solutions.
He also reproached PTI leader for their contradictory stance, recalling past claims that the US was responsible for the removal of his government, while now seeking assistance from the same country.
Dr. Malik asserted that PTI’s actions, including the attacks on military installations and memorials on May 9, aim to undermine the country, and claimed that the PTI leader had admitted to these incidents.
