Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says significant steps are being taken to ensure the digitization of the economy, including the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue which is a critical milestone for economic reforms.

He was talking to a delegation of Harvard Business School students including students from nine different countries, that called on him in Islamabad today.

Speaking on the occasion , the Prime Minister said external and internal debt pose challenges for the economy, but we will address these challenges through economic stability.

He said the digitization of FBR will help expand the tax base.

The Prime Minister said the government is working to ease the business environment and remove bureaucratic red tape. The Special Investment Facilitation Council is an important advancement in this regard.

He said efforts have begun to reduce the size of the government and cut expenditures, with ongoing work on downsizing and right-sizing federal ministries and departments.

The Prime Minister said a home-grown economic plan for the next five years will be announced soon in collaboration with experts.

He said policies are being implemented to reduce the elite's control over resources and improve the welfare of the middle and lower classes.

The Prime Minister said the government is focusing on export-led growth to reduce the trade deficit.

He said Pakistan is rich in natural resources, with Thar coal being a valuable energy resource utilized to meet the country's electricity needs.

The Prime Minister further said a comprehensive plan is being developed to modernize the industry of precious and rare gemstones in Pakistan.

He said growth in small and medium enterprises and agricultural production is crucial for a positive economic direction, and the government is taking vigorous measures in this area.

Shehbaz Sharif said the development of the agricultural sector is supported by Chinese expertise. Under this initiative, 1,000 Pakistani students and researchers will receive advanced agricultural training in China.

He said the government prioritizes vocational and technical training for youth, including a new agreement with Huawei to train 200,000 Pakistani students annually in IT and telecommunications.

He said work is underway on the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund based on the Punjab Education Endowment model. the network of Daanish Schools is being expanded to remote areas of the country, providing free, high-quality education and accommodation for underprivileged students.

The Prime Minister said advisory councils for overseas Pakistanis are functioning in various ministries, enabling young overseas Pakistanis to contribute to national development. The Prime Minister's Youth Program is actively working for the welfare of young people.

The students thanked the Prime Minister for the interactive session and the opportunity to ask questions.