Pakistan needs charter of economy, says Ishaq Dar

Speaking in ARY News’ programme ’11th Hour’, hosted by Waseem Badami, Ishaq Dar urged political parties to work for charter of economy.

When asked about government’s blame on protest for damaging economy, he said in a bid to introduce economic reforms, country needs political stability and unity.

Clarifying concern over low hike of 7.5 percent in the pay and pensions of government employee, Ishaq Dar said the increase is not only 7.5 percent as government has also merged ad-hoc allowances plus 25 percent raise in medical allowances.

“We can hike the salaries to 14 to 15 percent if these additional reliefs removed”, he added.

The Finance Minister also briefed that 100 percent increase has been given to senior private Secretary, private Secretaries and assistance private Secretaries in their ‘special pay’ only.

Highlighting prominent achievement during last fiscal year, Ishaq Dar foreign exchange reserves of the country has now increased to $17 billion.

He also said that government is ready to consider every logical and effective recommendation for economic revival.

When asked about economic targets that government failed to achieve, Dar said even though we were unable to achieve the assigned targets but still we made strong progress.

“I believe in setting tough and aggressive targets”, he added.