Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for collective efforts to strengthen the country’s economy as national security is directly linked with economic security. Addressing the 26th Security Workshop of the National Defense University in Islamabad, he emphasized that national and economic securities go hand in hand.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister stated that economic security will automatically strengthen national security. He noted that if a country is economically robust, with growing exports, an expanding industrial base, productive job creation, and an efficient bureaucracy, its national security will also be fortified. Sharif expressed confidence that Pakistan is on the right path, highlighting the Stock Exchange surpassing the hundred thousand points-a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

The Prime Minister announced plans to unveil a “Home Grown Plan” to transform Pakistan’s economic landscape. Addressing security challenges, he praised the sacrifices of Pakist
an’s Army, law enforcement agencies, and civilians in combating terrorism. He lamented the loss of 89,000 lives and economic damages worth 130 billion dollars due to terrorism, acknowledging that the threat has re-emerged in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with support from anti-Pakistan elements.

Sharif also mentioned the recent unrest in Islamabad, where armed marchers aimed to destabilize the nation’s economic progress. He stressed the importance of enhancing exports to bridge the external debt gap and revealed that the “Home Grown Plan” will prioritize this.

Addressing internal debt, the Prime Minister highlighted the challenges posed by the power sector’s circular debt of 2.5 trillion rupees and similar issues in the gas sector. He assured that the government is focused on tackling these problems, including theft and system inefficiencies. Furthermore, he underscored the need to expand the tax base and curb tax evasion.

In response to questions, Sharif mentioned the decision by the Apex Committee t
o launch an operation against foreign-funded secessionist movements in Balochistan. He affirmed that ongoing operations under Azm-e-Istehkam aim to ensure the region’s progress and prosperity.