Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday said privatization of ‘loss-making’ state-owned entities, institutional reforms, domestic and foreign investment and austerity were government priorities.

The prime minister was talking to a Pakistan Broadcasters Association delegation. Shakeel Masood, Mir Ibrahim, Mian Amir Mehmood and Sultan Lakhani were among the delegates.

He said he formed the government at a time when the country was faced with immense difficulties. The biggest challenge was to put the economy back on track, he said and informed the delegation about the economic priorities of the government. He said a committee had been formed to bring down the expenditure of the government and it would soon present its recommendations which he would put before the nation.

The federal cabinet had decided not to take salaries and perks, he told. He said the services of international experts were being hired for the complete digitalization of the Federal Board of Revenue, adding the government would duly recognize the top taxpayers, exporters and women entrepreneurs of the country.

He said media was the fourth pillar of the state and the role of electronic media in the progress and development of society and mental and intellectual training of people was of great importance. He said the government believed in the freedom of expression and freedom of media and in this regard, all possible steps were being taken.

Fake news was a big challenge and the mainstream media had a very important role in stemming the spread of fake news, he continued. He expressed hope that the media would play its role in the stability of democracy through impartial reporting. The PM said the state had the responsibility to protect media men.

He urged the electronic media to support the efforts of the government for the progress and prosperity of the country. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaulllah Tarar and high-level officials attended the meeting. The delegation felicitated the prime minister on assuming his office and expressed best wishes.