Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote employment, boost production, enhance exports, and generate economic activity to accelerate economic growth.

He was addressing a meeting of the National Economic Council in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister said that despite enormous challenges, Pakistan's economy has attained stability. He commended the provinces for their cooperation in managing the petroleum crisis and successfully implementing the IMF programme. He noted that the Federal Government had already spent 128 billion rupees from its limited resources in this regard.

Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the need to introduce incentives to increase exports, revive the manufacturing sector, and transform the economy. He said such measures are essential to accelerate GDP growth and provide tangible relief to the people.

The Prime Minister said that further strengthening the country's defence remains one of the foremost national priorities. He said the entire nation is rendering unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He particularly praised the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as well as personnel of the law enforcement agencies and security forces, for their invaluable sacrifices in the war against terror.

Expressing confidence in the country's resolve, the Prime Minister said that terrorism would be eradicated through national unity and consensus.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Khan Afridi, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah attended the meeting while Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz could not attend the meeting due to illness.