Islamabad:
Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Economy Rana Ihsan Afzal has said that despite severe economic pressures, the government successfully prevented Pakistan from defaulting and managed to stabilize the economy.
Speaking to reporters, he explained that the recent floods caused one of the worst supply chain crises in the country’s history, leading to rising food prices. He added that agricultural output and logistics were badly affected but emphasized that this was a result of climatic factors, not policy failure.
Afzal assured that there is no restriction on the trade of essential commodities, including tomatoes, and that the private sector is actively helping to balance market supply. He said the government stands ready to support businesses to restore normal food availability.
Highlighting the government’s resolve, he said: “We are not hiding behind excuses — we are making bold and long-term economic decisions.” He criticized the PTI government’s 2021 LNG deal, calling it “short-sighted,” and noted that its repercussions continue to impact the energy sector.
He revealed that Pakistan has imported 15,000 megawatts worth of solar panels in recent months to help address the ongoing power crisis. The government, he added, is taking firm measures to control prices of essentials like sugar and tomatoes while striving to provide relief to citizens.
Meanwhile, economist Muzzammil Aslam questioned the government’s claims of poverty reduction, saying such promises have become “mere slogans.” Speaking on ABN News’s program “Sawal Se Aage,” he argued that energy shortages and weak policies are putting the economy under intense strain.
Aslam said the government should stop hiding behind the IMF, floods, or political rifts, and instead focus on timely reforms. He added that policy inconsistencies among provinces and differences in commodity pricing have deepened confusion within the federal structure, worsening the country’s economic challenges.
