Former interim minister Gohar Ejaz has said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Asim Munir has a strong and positive relationship with Pakistan’s business community. Speaking during an appearance on the talk show “Nadeem Malik Live” on Samaa TV, Ejaz praised the Pakistan Army and highlighted its role in maintaining stability during national crises.
He said that the Pakistan Army has proven itself to be one of the best in the world, especially during times of conflict with India. He added that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir are consistently monitoring and managing key national matters, especially those related to the economy.
Gohar Ejaz also said that the government is making serious efforts to support business growth and ensure economic stability. He noted that Rs3 trillion is being spent to manage inflation and stop the economy from overheating. He stressed that the focus of national spending should shift towards dam construction and defence, instead of interest payments.
Calling for changes in economic policy, he suggested that the interest rate be brought down from 11% to 9%. According to him, the current rate has failed to bring about real economic growth. Ejaz proposed a 10% growth target, which he said could help increase the size of Pakistan’s economy by 35%.
In the energy sector, Ejaz pointed out that despite having surplus electricity, Pakistan is still following a six-hour peak tariff system that was introduced back in 2016, when power shortages were a major issue. He urged the government to end this outdated policy and replace it with a flat 24-hour industrial tariff. He believes this change could significantly improve industrial productivity.
He also asked the government to trust local industries, listen to the concerns of the business community, and speed up economic reforms. Gohar Ejaz said that with the right policies and support, the country can move towards strong and sustainable growth.
