PESHAWAR
Amun Taraqqi Party (ATP) chairman Muhammad Faiq Shah has called for exploiting indigenous rich natural resources to make Pakistan an economically self-reliant country.
Talking to a delegation of economic reporters belonging from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa here on Sunday, remarked Pakistan has bestowed with immense ‘God-gifted’ natural treasures, which were untapped.
He added that if rich natural and mineral resources would be utilized efficiently then the day is not far when Pakistan could stand in rank of developed nations and make it a financially self-reliant country.
Commenting on the stalled talks between IMF and Pakistan for gaining loans, Shah said the economy cannot be put in the right direction by overburdening the people with heavy taxes.
He lashed out at the government for ruining the national economy.
Faiq noted every sector has shown a negative growth. He said price-hike and unemployment has sharply increased.
He termed no relief was given to poor masses by the unity government as it had miserably failed to keep its promises.
Traders, industrialists, salaried/working class, daily wagers/labour and other segments of the society harshly suffered by flawed policies of the present coalition government, Shah observed.
The party leader said Pakistan has brought on brink of economic collapse.
He said it has been made quite difficult to run businesses and industries.
He said de-industrialization gave birth to massive unemployment in the country.
The ATP chief maintained investors have been forced to shift their capital to other countries.
He said the rapid de-investment has caused the plunging of the national economy into complete standstill.
Shah commented on the appointment of new NAB chief, asking the political parties to refrain from raising questions on the appointment of the new head of the anti-graft institute.
The party leader stressed the need of building up a national consensus on all issues to put the country on the path of political and economic stability.
Talking about the PTI chairman Imran Khan’s remarks for compromising with all, Shah put heavy weight behind the statement of a leader of the mainstream political party, saying that issues needed to be resolved on table talks and end the political and economic uncertainty in the country.
Regarding the announcement of elections scheduled in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he lambasted the leader of ruling coalition government for showing reservations on date and holding elections, calling it a deliberate attempt to retain the controversy on this crucial matter.
Shah stressed the need for the formation of a joint board to frame sustainable policies for bringing economic prosperity and development in the country.
The ATP chief said the government should focus on indigenous resources instead of keeping dependent on foreign loans and aid.
