Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the promotion of private investment is indispensable for Pakistan's economic growth.

PM Shehbaz Sharif was chairing a meeting on promotion of Private Equity to boost investments in Islamabad on Monday. The Prime Minister sought a comprehensive strategy for the establishment of a Private Equity Fund at the earliest to promote investment and support small and medium-sized enterprises in the country.

He also instructed the preparation of a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the country's public equity market and the Private Equity Fund to facilitate the availability of investment capital and pave the way for increased foreign investment.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said Private Equity Funds can serve as an effective catalyst for investment, business expansion, and the creation of employment opportunities.

He said the minerals, agriculture, livestock, energy, and information technology sectors, along with other key industries, have the potential to become major drivers of the country's economic growth. He added that the public equity market can serve as an important source of financing for investment in these sectors.

The Prime Minister said the volume of investment by the banking sector is still limited, making the promotion of alternative sources of investment a pressing need.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said the government is giving priority to measures aimed at strengthening Pakistan's economy on a sustainable basis through private sector-led investment, industrial growth, and enhanced exports.