Govt unpopular petro, power decisions lauded

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Friday lauded the tough decision of the government to upward revise petroleum prices and power tariffs which will save the country from default.
The painful decisions were long due as the economy was left in a terrible shape by the former regime and it was sinking at a rapid speed, it said.
The impact of the decision would be severe on the masses but it would be beneficial in the long run, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President of PEW.
He said the governance and economic model of the country is a combination of flaws and contradictions which will not last long, therefore it should be fixed without delay.
There is no concept of economic justice in Pakistan which is constantly weakening the country, he added.
He said that investment in sectors like education and health is very low in the country, while not a single social sector is performing.
He said that persistent debts, weak governance, absence of political stability, unsatisfactory law and order situation, a crumbling justice system, ineffective tax system, corruption and poor accountability have plagued the country.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that the foundations of the country are shaking, calling for urgent drastic measures to save it.
He said that the system is serving the elite and their power and resources are increasing rapidly while the life of a commoner has become a living hell.
The system is protecting the elite, and the country is being run in a way for decades, which is resulting in brain drain and flight of the capital.
Many industries have also shifted to other countries, while investors are not willing to invest in Pakistan despite matchless tax benefits.
He said that as long as important matters in the country are under the full control of unrelated persons, there will be no rule of law.
Justice and accountability system can deliver when the institutions are allowed to be independent, otherwise, the country will have no future, he warned.