Islamabad, January 27, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and ensuring ease of doing business during the inauguration of the six-star Mövenpick Hotel in the federal capital on Monday.
Calling the launch of the state-of-the-art international hotel a proud milestone for Pakistan, the Prime Minister commended the Centaurus Group for its nation-building initiatives and thanked Mövenpick for introducing world-class hospitality to the country.
“It is a moment of pride for Pakistan to see an international luxury hotel opening its doors here. Such investments reflect confidence in the country’s potential and future,” he stated.
Highlighting the government’s economic achievements, PM Shehbaz shared that inflation had fallen below 5%, while the banking policy rate was maintained under 13%, with expectations for further reductions following the upcoming State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) policy meeting.
He emphasized growth in exports, particularly within the IT sector, and outlined a vision for sustained development in agriculture, industry, mining, minerals, and technology. Addressing concerns over high energy costs impacting industry and agriculture, he assured that the government was working to significantly reduce power tariffs in the coming months.
“A competitive industrial sector is essential for economic growth. We are committed to easing the cost of doing business and making Pakistan an attractive destination for investment,” he added.
The Prime Minister announced plans to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), inviting domestic investors to participate in a transparent bidding process. Drawing a parallel with the successful privatization of banks in the 1990s, he expressed optimism about transforming PIA into a world-class airline, reminiscent of its glory days in the 1960s.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to downsizing and rightsizing public entities to reduce expenditures, improve efficiency, and create a more business-friendly environment.
PM Shehbaz emphasized the removal of obstacles hindering foreign investment and revealed plans to launch initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business. These efforts, he noted, are part of a broader strategy to attract investment and promote sustainable economic growth.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic revival and pledged to lead the country toward becoming a progressive and thriving nation through collaborative efforts.
“Pakistan will rise as a great nation through the dedication of its stakeholders and nation-builders,” he said, expressing hope for continued investments that drive the country forward.
