Achi news desk-
Yes, sir, the reason why I have used plural and singular in the title is because there are two shocking news while the comforting news is one. So, reviewing the disturbing news first, the government has allegedly increased the prices of petroleum products for the second time in a month. Petrol price has been increased by Rs 4 53 paise and diesel price has been increased by Rs 8 14 paise per litre. After this increase, the price of petrol is Rs 293 94 paise while the new price of diesel is Rs 290 38 paise per litre, which is almost beyond the purchasing power of the lower income class. On April 1, the prices of petroleum products also increased by around ten rupees. Although the reason for the increase in petroleum prices by Ogra is attributed to the fluctuations in the global market, but one of the main reasons for the high prices of petrol and diesel in the beloved country is the petroleum levy of 60 rupees per litre. , while the government has imposed IMF It has also promised to impose 18% GST on petroleum products. However, the effect of the increase in the prices of petroleum products is not limited to these products only, but it leads to an increase in the general inflation. Due to the increase in shipping costs, the prices of all goods are increasing. Although petroleum products are the main source of tax collection for the government, the government should widen the tax net by reforming the tax system instead of imposing a heavy burden of indirect taxes on the people. Promoting electric vehicles can also save people from expensive petrol and diesel.
Another alarming news is that the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, on April 14 announced a reduction in the price of bread by Rs Despite the progress of the Bhar, bread could not be available to the people at the rates set by the government. Now the bakers have almost rejected the government’s announcement of cheap bread. This is not the only example of ignoring the official rate list, there are many cases of traders, shoppers disregarding the official rate. The government’s announcement of providing cheap bread is commendable because it will give relief to the people, especially those living below the poverty line, but only if the government implements this decision. this benefit is possible. Currently, there is a difference of more than a thousand rupees per jewel between the price of flour available in the market and the rates set by the government. The government should immediately remove the obstacles in the decision to provide cheap bread and the legitimate demands of the bakers should also be considered. Better price control mechanisms and tightening of profit margins may provide some relief to the public.
And now comes to the good news. So the two-day visit of the high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud is of considerable importance in the current situation. A few days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the arrival of a delegation of Saudi ministers of investment, water resources, environment, agriculture and mining led by the foreign minister gives hope that the investment sectors in both countries will increasing there is also a practical increase in the interest shown. The fraternal and historical ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia need no explanation. Saudi Arabia supported Pakistan at every opportunity and this process continues, so now is the time to transform this historic and brotherly relationship into an industrial and business partnership and Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s vision for both countries has create a lot of ease in this regard. Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government envisages expanding the scope of its economy and increasing economic diversification, and by reducing its dependence on oil wealth, it wants to increase the share of other sectors of the economy, where the industries and technology sectors are notable. , in his Is economy. Considering the change in the global climate and the trend of fossil fuel consumption, the Saudi government’s vision to reduce dependence on oil revenue is timely and far-sighted. Saudi tendency to invest in new sectors, industries and fields creates many golden opportunities for Pakistan as we have many attractive business opportunities in which Saudi investment interest is found. In this regard, the agriculture, mining, energy tourism and IT sectors are notable. Saudi Arabia is also very important to us in terms of size and investment capacity. The Saudi State Investment Fund is currently one of the largest investment funds in the world with a financial volume of 925 billion dollars; Therefore, looking at the Saudi trend in investment under Vision 2030, Pakistan should make serious efforts to get Saudi investment. We have no shortage of investment opportunities. From agriculture to marine resources and energy projects, we have many vast and promising investment areas, but we have not been able to attract investment properly. One of the reasons for this is our security and strategic problems which did not allow us to take full advantage of the investment opportunities. It goes without saying that peace on investment presupposes the protection of the environment and life and property; Therefore, the success of the efforts that are made for investment from Saudi Arabia, China or other countries is subject to sustainable peace in the country. We also have to take peace in a wider perspective and improve the security situation as well as the social and political environment so that our identity and impression as a practical and positive society is strengthened. We have a lot of work to do in this regard and these types of initiatives are not possible without national co-ordination. That consensus and unity is not possible in the environment of intellectual chaos and propaganda against institutions. Our political leadership should also realize their responsibilities. We must promote national harmony and discourage attempts to divide individuals and institutions. The current situation the world is facing, the political leadership should understand the contemporary reality and avoid transferring the nation to anarchy for petty benefits.
