Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif says constructive criticism on government policies by media is pivotal for better governance.

Talking to a delegation of Pakistan Broadcasters' Association, which called on him in Islamabad on Thursday, he said relationship between government and media is based on mutual trust.

He said government welcomes the constructive criticism by media and considers it as the fourth pillar of state. He said there is complete freedom of expression in the country.

Talking about economic situation in the country, the Prime Minister said after attaining stability in the country's economy, the government resumed the journey of economic development and growth from where it was halted in 2018.

He said URAAN Pakistan is indigenously prepared development programme, which will be made successful with cooperation of media and all other relevant stakeholders.

Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that country witnessed a golden era of development under the leadership of then Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He expressed gratitude to the friendly and brotherly countries saying that Pakistan avoided the default like situation and moved towards the path of development due to their cooperation.

The Prime Minister said credit to the recent reduction in inflation and interest rates in the country to the hard work of the government's economic team.

He said increase in exports and development of agricultural and industrial sectors is becoming possible due to business-friendly policies of government.

Regarding Federal Board of Revenue, he said reforms are being implemented in the FBR, and a face-less clearance system has also been introduced in customs clearance process. He said this system will help increase tax revenues, enhance transparency and elimination of corruption.

The Prime Minister said government's initiatives to curb smuggling of petroleum products, sugar, fertilizer and flour has benefited the national exchequer.

He said the increase in remittances is a reflection of enhanced confidence of overseas Pakistanis in government policies.

Commenting on Pakistan' foreign policy, the Prime Minister said relations with friendly countries are improving and country is achieving several diplomatic successes.

He said by the grace of Almighty Allah, we restored Pakistan' image at international level.

Speaking about war on terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation along with the armed forces of Pakistan will continue war till complete elimination of terrorism from the country.

He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project is reaping fruits and government is committed to early completion of CPEC projects.

He said Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping's dream of a developed Pakistan and whole region is near to its realization.

Turning to political situation of the country, the Prime Minister said that a specific anti-Pakistan group repeatedly attempt to storms the federal capital. He said these elements cannot digest the economic stability and development of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said his party sacrificed their politics for economic security of Pakistan.

He said talented youth are a greatest asset of country. He said providing the youth with international-standard education, training, and equal development opportunities is among the foremost priorities of the government.

The delegation appreciated the Prime Minister's efforts in negotiating with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reduce electricity prices and resolve matters smoothly with the power sector.

The delegation asked the government to play its positive role in attaining political stability.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Chairman Pakistan Broadcasters Association Mian Amir Mehmood and other were present on the occasion.