ISLAMABAD -Hailing the President’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said that the country made record progress in various sectors due to the government’s steps and policies during last one year.
Talking to media persons here outside the Parliament House, the minister said the government restored the confidence of investors, both local and foreigners during last year. Foreign exchange reserve surged to $ 13 billion from $ 7 billion, he added.
Ahsan said that owing to vernment, Pakistani currency was strengthened, while economic activity was gaining momentum. The stock exchange also witnessed record upward trend during the said period, he added.
He said hat China was making $ 35 billion investment in various sectors, particularly energy, which was reflection of international confidence in the government’s friendly policies.
He expressed the hope that in next four years, Pakistan would emerge as a strong and vibrant country owing to the policies of the present government.
To a question about power load-shedding, the minister said that load-shedding had considerably reduced during the said period.“Earlier, there was 20-22 hours power load-shedding, which has considerably reduced to 6-8 hours,” he said.