Financial discipline of Punjab government is a role model for other provinces : Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha

Lahore : Provincial Minister for Finance Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that financial discipline of Punjab government in the speedy completion of mega public welfare projects is a role model for other provinces. She said that foreign investors are taking keen interest in investment in Punjab due to good governance, transparency and high standard of development projects. She said that other provinces of Pakistan are taking guidance from financial policies and measures of Punjab government. She said that platforms like NFC are playing an important role in the promotion of mutual contact between provinces and solution of collective problems.

She was talking to a German delegation comprising Dr. Heming, Dr. Christina, Ms. Almant Knop, Dr. Juergen Zoll and Dr. Julia, representative of GIZ, during a meeting at Civil Secretariat, today. The Minister informed the delegation that the government is setting solid targets for stability of economy and effective steps are being taken for this purpose.

She said that youth are the main workforce of the province. She said that in order to ensure proper utilization of human resource, full attention is being paid to its technical and vocational training and such skills are being introduced which are in demand in international markets. She said that government is facilitating investors and ensuring their complete protection.

Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha further told the delegation that power sector, education, health and agriculture are top priorities of the government with regard to investment. She said that government is also concentrating on solar energy, gas and coal power for overcoming energy crisis. She said that China is extending full assistance in foreign investment.

Replying to a question, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that Punjab government has introduced necessary amendments in laws for women empowerment. She said that educational scholarships as well as interest-free loans are being given to girls and women. She said that besides free education, monthly scholarships are also being extended to girls of rural areas for motivating them towards education.

Referring to reforms in Finance Department, the Minister said that Finance Department has evolved a reforms strategy with the assistance of donors for running its financial affairs in a better manner.

She said that positive reforms have been introduced in taxation, finance and budget policy due to which development growth rate of Punjab has increased by 31 percent in the current financial year while the rate of tax recovery has enhanced by 45 percent.

She said that government is utilizing all available resources for raising the living standard of the common man.