PM Shehbaz Sharif Voices Concern Over Bangladesh's Economic Progress Amid Pakistan's Challenges

Commenting on Bangladesh's economic growth, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted on Wednesday how 'East Pakistan', once considered a burden on the country, had made tremendous strides in industrial growth.

During an interactive session with business leaders of Pakistan, it was highlighted by Sharif, who had taken over the country's reins for the second time, that they were told it was a burden on their shoulders when he was quite young.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Voices Economic Concern

As it has been observed where that 'burden' has reached in terms of economic growth. "And we feel ashamed when we look towards them," he added, as reported by Hindustan Times. The business community was sat down with by Sharif at the Sindh CM House in Pakistan's commercial capital on Wednesday to find ways to uplift the economy.

While Sharif's determination to tackle economic issues was appreciated by the business leaders, concern was raised about the political instability in Pakistan following the arrest of former PM Imran Khan. Focus was advised to be brought on by Karachi's business community to bring about political stability to "turn around" the economy, according to the report from the Dawn newspaper.

Sharif was also asked by them to initiate trade talks with India. The relations between the two countries nosedived after India's special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked and bifurcated into two Union territories. Strong reactions were evoked from Islamabad by the move by the Narendra Modi government, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy. Direct trade ties with India were also cut off, as reported by Hindustan Times.

"A few handshakes have been made after taking charge that have produced good results and progress on the IMF deal is one of them," Arif Habib, the chief of Arif Habib Group - was quoted as saying. "I suggest a few more handshakes should be done. One of them is regarding trade with India, which would greatly benefit our economy. Secondly, fixing things at that level as well and I believe that can be done."