PESHAWAR: Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance and Interprovincial Coordination, Muzzammil Aslam, has expressed concerns over Pakistan’s economic growth rate and the federal government’s Uraan Pakistan Program. Speaking on the country’s economic outlook, Aslam noted that the government expects a growth rate of 3.1 percent for the current fiscal year, falling short of the 4pc target. He also anticipated a weaker performance in key sectors such as agriculture and industry, with growth primarily driven by services, livestock, small-scale manufacturing, and construction. The advisor further stated that the federal government projects a 4.5pc growth rate for the next fiscal year. However, he questioned the ambitious target of 9pc annual growth for the next 22 years, calling it unrealistic and suggesting that the Uraan Pakistan Program might be more of a “fairy tale” than a viable economic strategy. Aslam warned that Pakistan’s economy was grappling with recession, low demand, rising poverty, and increasing unemployment. He emphasized the need for more pragmatic policies to address these economic challenges. DLP Report
