Apprised: Premier briefed on the economy

Finance minister says country’s economy was showing a strong performance in revenue mobilisation.

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh on Friday briefed Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on the preparation of the upcoming budget, mobilisation of domestic resources and generation of employment in the country.

The finance minister, at a meeting held at the Prime Minister House, said the country’s economy was showing a strong performance in revenue mobilisation. He said that revenue collection up to March 2012 stood at Rs1,270 billion as compared to Rs1,020 billion during the corresponding period last year; reflecting an increase of 25%. The minister said the country’s exports continued to register an upward trend, despite the high base of 30% increase in last year’s exports, which touched the record figure of $25.5 billion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 7^th, 2012.