LAHORE: A strong traders’ group has lauded the Punjab budget and termed it a progressive, pro-farmer and growth-oriented document, which will help boost the economy.
Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Chairman Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice Chairman Tanveer Ahmed Sufi and Vice Chairman Khawaja Shahzeb Akram, while talking to media, welcomed increase in budget for the development of industries, commerce and mineral sectors, proposed by Punjab government in the budget in comparison with current financial year ending June 30, 2016.
The PIAF Chairman said that industries, commerce & mineral sectors were one of the main pillars of Punjab growth strategy that envisaged promotion of industry, commerce and investment for technological up-gradation, employment generation in industrial and investment sector.
Hailing the budget as realistic, visionary and totally in tune with interests of all sections of society, he also lauded Punjab Chief Minister for adopting fiscal measures that had led to an estimated 5 percent growth of GDP for fiscal year 2016-17.
Irfan Sheikh said that Shehbaz Sharif deserved admiration for allocating financial resources for various development and welfare schemes dedicated to overall development of the province. He added that billions of rupees had been allocated for agriculture, education and health, while record funds had also been provided for uplift of social sectors. He said that an era of progress and prosperity would usher in through implementation of development programme.
PIAF Senior Vice Chairman Tanveer Sufi and Vice Chairman Khawaja Shahzeb Akram said that Punjab government honoured its pledge of presenting tax free budget. Government’s decision to offer 700,000 jobs would surely help reduce unemployment.
Shahzeb Akram said that earmarking record development budget would bring immense prosperity in the province. The masses would avail basic facilities at their door steps, he said. He said Punjab government had shown good governance as one of its top priorities by increasing its budget up to 63 percent as compared to current FY.
