Money laundering, smuggling will be dealt with identically, asserts PM

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GEO NEWS
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan, while highlighting his government's plans on Thursday, said they would deal with money laundering and smuggling identically.

The prime minister said so while addressing the Pakistan Economic Forum here. "My vision is that Pakistan becomes a self-sufficient state, which is necessary for national honour," he said.

Recalling that Pakistan was progressing speedily in 60s, Khan maintained that a country seeking help from other could not move forward.

"The ones presenting investors like criminals cannot flourish," he said, adding, "Earning money was not a sin, but earning it through unfair means was."

The premier said there would be an office formed within his secretariat for the sake of "ease of doing business" in Pakistan.

He stressed the need for adopting the approach of self-reliance rather than relying on others. "China pulled 700 million people out of poverty over 30 years," Khan noted.

Khan said they were to provide a safe atmosphere to investors and we would make all efforts to increase the country's exports.

"We will deal with money laundering and smuggling identically," he said, adding that they were bringing policies to curb these practices.

The prime minister said they were also attempting to facilitate overseas Pakistanis.

Commenting on taxation, he said the government separating tax collection and tax policy-making bodies from each other.

Khan said the country was rich in natural resources, adding, "Investors don't come to a country as long as making money is not easy there."

He added he would remain in constant touch with investors.