Navigating through economic crisis immediate priority of govt: PM

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the government's immediate priority is to safely navigate through current economic crisis.

In an essay written in British weekly "The Economist", he said the whole world is facing a difficult year but we have the protection of an IMF programme to see us through.

He said some measures will create hardship and require sacrifice, but we are committed to implement the programme as it is our path to safety.

The Prime Minister said this challenging moment also offers us an opportunity.

Emphasizing developing consensus among political parties, he said there must be agreements on a few principles, including managing our finances prudently, investing in our people, encouraging merit and innovation, and promoting regional peace.

Shehbaz Sharif said it is important to modernise Pakistan's social contract. He said people must pay their fair share of taxes in return for vital public services.

He said we must do better for our youth and women, and enable them to fulfil their aspirations and become drivers of economic growth.